Bell c. 1590 - 1596

This bell was made by an anonymous maker with bronze, using the method of casting. The material is all-important here. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is an ancient material, valued for its strength and sonorous qualities. This bell would have been made by pouring molten bronze into a mold, likely formed from clay or sand, then allowing it to cool. The bell-shape itself helps with the projection of sound, and you can imagine the maker carefully considering the object’s precise dimensions and the internal space. The history of bronze bells extends far beyond the realm of art, of course. For centuries, bells have been used to mark the hours, call people to worship, and signal alarms. As such, even a humble object like this, invites us to consider the broader social contexts in which craft and design take place. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum, but is always entwined with the realities of labor, community, and daily life.