Commissioning a Sculpture: A Guide for First-Time Collectors
March 30, 2026
What to expect when commissioning a sculptural work for the first time — from initial conversation to installation.
The decision to commission a work rather than acquire an existing piece is a significant one. It is also, in our experience, one of the most rewarding things a collector can do — the beginning of a relationship with an artist and a work that is, in a meaningful sense, yours from the first mark.
The process is less mysterious than it may appear. Here is what to expect.
The Initial Conversation
A commission begins with a conversation — not a brief. We find that clients who arrive with overly specific requirements often end up with work that is less interesting than what emerges from a more open dialogue. The artist needs room to work.
The relevant questions at this stage are environmental rather than aesthetic: Where will the work live? What are the dimensions of the space? What quality of light does it receive, and at what times? What else is in the room, and what relationship should the new work have to those things?
The Proposal
From this conversation, the artist will develop a proposal — typically a combination of sketches, material samples, and written description. This is not a finished design but a direction: an indication of scale, material, and the essential character of the work. It is at this stage that the most important decisions are made.
Our role as intermediary is to facilitate the conversation between client and artist, ensuring that what is proposed is both what the client genuinely needs and what the artist can make with conviction. A commission that an artist cannot believe in will not be a good commission.
Making and Delivery
Once a proposal is agreed, the making begins. Timelines vary significantly by medium: a ceramic work may be complete in three months; a bronze casting may take nine. We provide regular updates and, for works of significant scale, arrange studio visits at key stages.
Delivery and installation are coordinated by our team. We work with specialist art handlers and, for works requiring structural installation, with the client's architect or project manager. The work does not leave our care until it is in its final position.
To begin a conversation about a commission, speak with our concierge team.