Copper Jerkin Sculpture

2009

Beverley Town Trail East Yorkshire

Copper Jerkin sculpture hanging in Beverley, Easy Yorkshire

The Brief

Gary Pickles was contacted in the late Summer of 2009 by the organiser of the sculptural exhibits for a new Beverley Town Trail and was asked if he would consider making a Medieval, leather jerkin from copper. The jerkin was to be suspended from the side of 'The Beaver' a local pub. It would need to be made within specific dimensions, as there was limited space in the passageway, which it would be hanging in.

A rough sketch was provided, which gave an idea of what the finished piece was to look like. After due consideration, he gladly accepted the commission.

A More Detailed Sketch

Some of the finer details had to be discussed before a pattern could be produced. The dimensions, of course were a priority, but also things like stitching, sleeve and collar design were thought through.

A more detailed sketch was then produced to give a clearer idea as to how the finished copper sculpture would look.

The Pattern Making

The pattern itself was initially made from cardboard, much the same way a dressmaker would use a paper pattern to make a dress. This was then transferred to copper sheet and the design cut out. 

Sections

The copper jerkin was made in several sections and some key details marked on, ready for forming at a later stage.

Hand Beating the Copper Sheet

The finished copper jerkin sculpture would need to have the shape of a real leather jerkin, which had once been worn and still retained some of the shape of the wearer. This had to be done whilst still allowing the sections to fit snugly together.

Each section would need to be carefully formed by hand, using a selection of traditional tools and techniques.

Various specialised mallets and hammers were used for this job, along with some tools made especially for the job. Gary likes to make his own tools where he can and finds them invaluable for more specific tasks.

Clamping the Copper Sections Together

Once formed, some of the sections of copper jerkin could be clamped together, before the final jointing took place.

Sleeve Section

The sleeves were also made in sections and each one required jointing along the seams.

Skirt Section

The skirt section of the copper jerkin also needed to be made separately, but this was managed in one full section with many folds and pleats to simulate the leather.

Again, this needed to be made to closely fit onto the body sections.

 Special Jointing Techniques

For joining the various sections together, Gary used a special type of hard-solder, made from copper and phospur. This requires a great deal more heat than conventional lead solder and an oxy/acetylene torch is needed.  This process produces an extremely strong joint and the colour of the solder closely resembles the original copper and will oxidise to blend in seamlessly.

For an even more invisible joint, the copper is welded together. This process melts the original material and a suitable copper filler rod is used to fill the gap.

Images were provided at every stage of the process and any suggestions were taken on board for alterations or improvements.

The Finishing Touches

All the seams were cleaned up before the finishing touches were added, such as the collar, which was perforated to allow light to pass through and stitching detail around the belt was also added.

A secure method of hanging was provided by way of a solid, stainless steel rod. This passes through the sleeves and has eyelets on each end for secure suspension.

The Finished Copper Leather Jerkin Sculpture on Beverley Town Trail

It wasn't until the design was finally approved, that it was then sent off to be patinated and hung from a custom made bracket, on the side of The Beaver public house. 

This now forms a part of the Beverley town trail in the East Riding of Yorkshire.