Caro Group in Royston is celebrating success as Winner of the ‘Best Component’ for most technically challenging casting component at The Cast Metals Federation, CMF, Awards!
Their Foundry division, Maybrey Precision Castings, picked up this prestigious award in recognition of their groundbreaking work on Black Renaissance, a series of five monumental Silicon Bronze sculptures now on display at the Freedom Memorial Sculpture Park in Alabama, USA.
Commissioned by the Equal Justice Initiative and conceptualised by artist Rayven Sheilagh D’Clark, Black Renaissance comprises five 2.5-metre-tall bronze sculptures. These powerful works honour anonymous figures, symbolising the hidden histories and overlooked contributions of Black individuals, while celebrating their enduring courage and resilience.
Innovative Casting Techniques for a Monumental Challenge
To achieve D’Clark’s intricate vision, models for the sculptures were created using 3D scanning of live subjects. Deep facial dimpling and undercutting, designed for a tactile experience, posed significant technical  challenges for the Foundry experts. Traditional sand patterns would have chemically bonded to the complex shapes, making the process prohibitively expensive and nearly impossible to execute.
Maybrey Precision Castings solved this challenge by pioneering the use of 3D-printed sand moulds, enabling precise and cost-effective production. The sculptures were cast in 52 segments, using Silicon Bronze for its exceptional weldability and ability to accommodate variations in wall thickness.
A bespoke running system designed by the team at Maybrey ensured optimal metal flow, incorporating double pours and multiple ingates to prevent blemishes from oxides and gas pockets.
The sculptures were then polished, assembled, and welded by Millimetre, an award-winning design and fabrication firm in West Sussex, before being shipped to Alabama for installation.
A Legacy of Innovation and Representation
“The Black Renaissance project showcases how innovative processes can transform artistic visions into reality, opening new doors for artists to bring digital creations to life affordably,” said Dave Lowe, Managing Director of Caro Group’s Maybrey Precision Castings division. “This recognition highlights our dedication to pushing the boundaries of casting innovation and cements our position at the forefront of the art world. We’re excited to collaborate with more artists, helping them realise their concepts and create enduring works of art.”
Installed at the Freedom Memorial Sculpture Park, the sculptures form part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s mission to confront the legacy of slavery and racial injustice in America. Through their striking presence, they invite reflection and dialogue, serving as lasting tributes to the strength and perseverance of those whose stories have long been marginalised.
Without Maybrey’s expertise, this transformative project may not have been realised. Their work stands as a testament to how art and innovation can shape history and create meaningful representation in public spaces.
About Rayven Sheilagh D’Clark
Rayven D’Clark is a celebrated sculptor and graduate of Central Saint Martins and Chelsea School of Art. Known for her lifelike, mask-inspired sculptures, she combines live casting and 3D printing to create compelling  narratives about identity and representation. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree in 2024, D’Clark has achieved one of the largest art commissions awarded to a woman under 30 with Black Renaissance.
Instagram:Â @rayvenndclark_art
About Maybrey Precision Castings
Part of the Caro Group of Companies, Maybrey Precision Castings has been a leader in the casting industry since 1849. The foundry is internationally recognised for its expertise in sand casting and the use of 3D-printed sand moulds to achieve outstanding results.
Web:Â caro.co.uk | Instagram: @maybreyreliance | LinkedIn:Â Caro Groups Of Companies
