How to Commission Artist Alan Williams

You can commission artist Alan Williams to create a metal sculpture of any scale, from a smaller piece for a home or garden to a work for a business, public space or architectural setting. He works with private individuals and collectors, commissioning organisations, architects, and designers in the UK and internationally.

Some commissions begin with a detailed brief; others start with a subject, a place or simply a love of Alan’s work. The process develops around the sculpture and its setting, from the first conversation through to making, delivery and installation.

Start a conversation

Contemporary metal sculpture by Alan Williams made from reclaimed mechanical materials and forged steel

Commercial, public and architectural commissions

Alan’s commissioned work includes sculpture for businesses, public spaces and architectural settings, often drawing on an organisation’s history, the character of a place or the surrounding architecture. Previous commissions range from the Viaduct gate, designed around the old railway viaduct, to Time Migration, a public sculpture for the Kuwait Industrial Union, made in the UK with Alan travelling to Kuwait for construction and installation.

He works directly with the commissioner and, where the project calls for it, with architects, landscape designers and structural engineers to develop the sculpture for its setting. Drawings and technical information are supplied as needed for design, planning and approval. Alan normally undertakes the groundworks and installation unless otherwise agreed, bringing in specialist contractors where required.

Alan also undertakes international commissions, with work exhibited in Kuwait and Turkey and many sculptures in private collections worldwide. For overseas projects, freight and installation arrangements are discussed individually; Alan handles customs documentation, while the client arranges freight and is responsible for local duties and taxes.

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Smaller and personal commissions

Alan accepts smaller commissions and has made several sculptures incorporating a loved one’s possessions. These include a dragon’s tongue made from a grandfather’s cobbler’s tools and another dragon incorporating spanners from a grandfather’s toolbox. The Hawks memorial included scrap components from the mechanics department of the regiment’s barracks. Where possible, Alan keeps these objects recognisable within the finished work.

Contact Alan to discuss your idea and explore what’s possible within your budget. The conversation also helps him understand what matters to you and the personal meaning behind the piece.

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The Commissioning Process

1. Start a Conversation

Start by arranging a phone call, so you and Alan can talk through ideas and explore what might be possible. If you’d rather meet in person, visits to the workshop are also welcome by arrangement.

It helps to include these details with your first enquiry:

The subject or idea you have in mind
The approximate size and orientation
Whether the sculpture will be indoors or outside
Your budget and any particular date you are working towards

Photographs of the proposed setting and examples of previous work you like are useful too. All ideas are open for discussion. If Alan cannot help with a particular request, he may be able to suggest someone who can.

Start a conversation

2. Initial Design

Alan is happy to work from a detailed brief or a looser starting point. Reference images help him understand your ideas, but he prefers to retain the decisions about the overall composition and materials. Greater creative freedom gives him more scope to develop the piece in his own style.

The subject, scale and setting provide the starting point for the design. The design concept is agreed with the client before making begins. Drawings, mock-ups or maquettes are provided only where the project requires them.

3. As the work develops

Alan will send regular updates with photographs or video as the sculpture develops. Feedback is welcome, though change requests may affect the budget.

Alan will discuss any design adjustments with you before making them. Changes in direction may be possible if they don’t involve remaking elements; if they do, this is likely to have cost implications.

Visits to the forge can be arranged during the project; however, Alan sometimes waits until key features are in place before showing a particular stage of the work.

4. Delivery & Installation

Alan sometimes delivers smaller pieces himself if they are going somewhere nearby. Larger sculptures and overseas commissions will need specialist transport.

Alan normally installs the sculpture himself with specialist help where the size or weight requires it. Any lifting equipment, foundations or wall preparation are discussed with you at an early stage. For international commissions, delivery and installation arrangements are discussed for the individual project.

Alan will provide advice on caring for the finished work, including finishes and maintenance for outdoor pieces. He can also supply fixing drawings or installation guidance if needed.

Cost & Payment Terms

The subject, scale, and complexity determine a sculpture’s cost. Alan will work this through with you early on. As a rough guide, typical commission prices are £1,000–£2,500 for small sculptures, £3,000–£6,000 for medium-sized ones, and around £6,000–£15,000 for larger ones.

Size alone does not determine the price. A larger piece with less complexity can sometimes be made to suit a budget. Smaller commissions are also considered, with a minimum budget of around £300.

Alan sends an initial deposit invoice with the terms set out. The deposit is usually 50%. For larger projects, a three-stage payment plan can be considered. The quoted price includes delivery and installation costs, broken down in the quote. Design and site visits are not charged separately. The final balance is due on completion before shipping or installation.

Commissioning a sculpture FAQs

Do I need a finished design before contacting Alan?

No.

A subject, a rough idea, or an intended location is enough to begin a conversation. Alan can develop the sculpture from there and discuss what information he needs before he begins.

Can Alan copy one of his previous sculptures?

Each commission is an original work, made from its own combination of reclaimed parts and materials. If a previous sculpture particularly appeals to you, Alan can discuss creating a new piece that captures a similar character and presence.

What are typical timescales for a commission?

This will depend on the scale of the commission. Alan’s workload can affect timing considerably, so Alan will discuss delivery timescales early on.

For a small or medium-sized commission for a birthday, wedding or memorial date, ideally allow two to three months’ notice. Rush commissions are sometimes possible, but can affect the price.

Commission	Typical time
Small private commission	3–4 weeks
Medium-scale piece	4–6 weeks
Major public or architectural sculpture	2–3 months and up

How much does it cost to commission a sculpture?

The cost depends on the individual project. Scale, complexity, materials, construction, timescale and delivery or installation requirements can all affect the price. Alan will discuss the budget with you early in the process.

As a guide, typical prices are £1,000–£2,500 for small sculptures, £3,000–£6,000 for medium-sized pieces and £6,000–£15,000 or higher for larger works. Smaller commissions are also possible, with a minimum budget of £300.

Are Alan’s sculptures suitable for outdoor settings?

They can be. Alan makes sculptures for gardens, landscapes and public spaces. The eventual location is discussed at the outset so it is considered when designing the piece and installation arrangements. Advice on outdoor care and maintenance will be provided with the finished work.

Where can I see examples of Alan’s work?

The gallery shows a range of Alan’s sculptures, while the featured projects on the Commission a Sculpture page give examples of previous commissions for private, commercial and public settings. You are also welcome to visit his workshop by arrangement to see work in progress and discuss a possible commission.

Are artworks insured during shipping?

Yes. Alan’s sculptures are fully insured during shipping, including international deliveries.

Can a commission remain confidential?

Yes. Alan has worked under non-disclosure agreements. Let him know at the outset if the project or documents are confidential. You can also discuss arrangements for photographing and sharing the work.

Before we talk

You don’t need a finished brief before contacting me, but it helps to have a subject, approximate scale and budget in mind. Let me know where the sculpture will go, whether indoors or outside, and any date you need it completed by. Photographs and dimensions of the setting, along with examples of my work that interest you, give us a useful starting point. We can work through the details when we speak.

If the commission forms part of a larger project, please share any existing brief, architectural drawings or approval requirements. If any documents are commercially confidential, I am happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement where necessary.

Start a Conversation About a Commission

I’m always happy to discuss a possible commission, large or small. Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.

Contact Alan