Current Events

Casting the World: The Story of J.W. Singer & Sons, Frome, celebrates and explores the life of John Webb Singer and the iconic sculptures, statues and civic works cast at J.W. Singer & Sons foundry in Frome, through a year of exhibitions and events with an accompanying publication and education program. We very much look forward to hosting this wonderful Exhibition together with Frome Museum, which is brought to you by Rook Lane Arts Trust. The Exhibition will also include Talks and Walks, as well as demonstrations of the processes used in casting. There is something for everyone.

The foundry of J.W. Singer & Sons was held in the highest regard at both a national and international level. In 1886 it started casting the large-scale bronze statues that we are so familiar with today. These include several prominent examples in London: the Boadicea group on the Embankment, Cromwell, who graces the lawn in front of the Houses of Parliament and the figure of Justice atop the Old Bailey. General Gordon on his camel at Chatham Barracks and was also cast in Frome, as were the magificent eight lions that form part of the Rhodes Memorial in Cape Town.

Walks:  Singer’s Town Trail with Curator Sue Bucklow. Start at Rook Lane Chapel

Sunday 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th July – 2pm 

Casting The World Curator, Sue Bucklow, will lead you on a Singer’s walkabout, taking in the significant locations associated with John Webb Singer and the site of the Singer’s foundry. Frome Town Council have produced the Singer’s Town Trail to coincide with Casting The World and the bicentenary of John Webb Singer’s birth. Pick up a leaflet at Discover Frome or download it from the website. Note: The walk lasts approximately one hour and will involve walking up  – and down – the hilly streets of Frome.

Storytelling sessions with Lisa Kenwright: Stories inspired by sculptures cast at Singer’s foundry

Sunday  14^th July  –  11am/ 12pm /1pm Rook Lane Chapel

King Alfred in Winchester, the Welsh Dragon that sits on top of Cardiff City Hall and Boudica on the Thames Embankment in London were all cast in Frome, but do you know the stories behind the sculptures? These historical and mythical figures will be brought to life by storyteller, Lisa Kenwright, who will spin tales inspired by sculptures and monuments cast at J.W.Singer & Sons fine art foundry.

Sessions start at : 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 Suitable for older children and adults.

Live Casting Demo – 6^th July 2pm – Jon Privett Art of a Fine Nature foundry – Rook Lane Chapel ( Sunday 14^th July as back up in case of inclement weather)