Inspiration... In the quiet bronze stillness of the sculpture, a young boy and his loyal dog prepare to set sail in a small rowing boat — a vessel not just of wood and oar, but of dreams and discovery. Their faces, captured in a moment of serene determination, echo the spirit of the Petit Prince — tender, curious, and full of wonder.
The boy’s gaze is fixed on the distant horizon, as if he sees something beyond the visible, while the dog, steadfast and trusting, leans forward in silent companionship.
Together, they embody the courage it takes to leave the familiar behind and follow the call of the unknown, carried forward by imagination as much as by tide.
This sculpture is more than metal; it is a celebration of innocence and the unbreakable bond between child and companion.
Cast in timeless bronze, the figures glimmer with the warmth of a setting sun and the promise of a new dawn.
Like the Little Prince who travels from star to star seeking meaning, the boy and his dog row not just through water, but through the deeper currents of life — guided by wonder, anchored by love.
It reminds us that every journey, no matter how small the vessel, begins with a brave heart and a faithful friend.
always limited edition series
made in UK/Ireland by family foundries
quality bronze metals used (85% copper/tin, etc)
certificate of authenticity for bronzes
Suitable for in or outdoor settings.
Contact Dawn for viewing, payment & delivery options email: hello@dawnconn.com
Little voyagers
Size:Metric – H: 35 W:20 D: 22 centimetres (height / width / depth)
Imperial – H: 14 W: 8 D: 9 inches (height / width / depth)
Medium: Bronze metal
Edition of 9Foundry Bronze – refers to the poured molten metal that is cast solid or hollow, depending on size, at a bronze foundry (using the traditional lost wax process). It is more robust and will appreciate in value.
The first stage of making a bronze is to sculpt the original out of clay, plaster or wax. Dawn uses different materials: e-poxy resin / vintage textiles soaked in resin and other reclaimed items. This is built up over a steel and aluminium anatomical skeleton known as an armature.
Over this original sculpture a silicon rubber mould is made to form a negative of the original.
Into the mould molten wax is slushed in and then poured out and allowed to cool, to form a hollow wax positive.
The seam line where the mould fitted together is then worked out and the sculpture cut up into castable sections.
To this a series of wax runners and risers is fitted, and these allow the molten bronze to flow in and the gases to come out. Once the wax is 'sprued up' it is coated inside and out with liquid ceramic and grit built up in layers to form a strong heat-resistant investment around the wax.
This is then baked upside down in an oven allowing the wax to melt out - hence the term 'Cirdu perdue or lost wax.
This forms a negative space of the original into which molten bronze can be poured at 1200°c. Other metals such as gold, silver and stainless steel can be cast using the same method.
When the bronze has cooled, the ceramic shell is chipped away and the sprues cut off. To remove the ceramic from the surface detail the bronze is placed in acid, which breaks down the investment.
If the bronze has been cast in several pieces, it is now welded together and chased. This is a highly skilled process recreating any surface detail.
The sculpture is now ready to be heated up and applied with various chemicals, which form the finished patina/colouration of the bronze.
Production time: 8 - 10 weeks upon receipt of deposit