The Materials and Methods of Sculpture

The author

Jack C. Rich was an American sculptor and teacher whose expertise lay in the materials science of art-making. The Materials and Methods of Sculpture was his major contribution, and its authority comes from combining hands-on studio knowledge with careful attention to the properties of each medium.

The book

After an opening on the studio, tools and technique, Rich gives detailed, practical instruction in modeling with plastic earths and wax, plaster of Paris, casting, the sculptural and surface treatment of metals, and carving in stone and wood — plus chapters on unusual materials. Over 275 illustrations, including step-by-step sequences and works by Brancusi, Manship, Lachaise, Gross and Epstein, ground the text.

How it has aged

Remarkably well for a book from 1947. Traditional sculptural materials haven't changed, so the core instruction stays valid; what's dated is the absence of modern synthetics and industrial processes. Dover's long-running reprint keeps it in circulation as a working reference.

For more context

Sculptors often supplement it with more recent guides covering contemporary materials such as resins, plastics and welded fabrication.

Sources

• Dover Publications
• Internet Archive
• Open Library