Atelier Aeris, Lamalou-les-Bains

Richard SALLES was born in 1966 in the village of Lamalou-les-Bains, situated in the heart of Languedoc, the very part of Southern France which has been nurturing antique agricultural and industrial traditions since the Roman times.

This highly qualified caster & smith has formerly been a foreman at the Hérépian foundry where the knowledge of casting church bells is precisely dating back to the year 1600. Heir to such long lineage of those forge masters, a passionate of metalworking techniques as a whole and a spare time vulcanologist, Richard SALLES has been adding art foundry for the past 15 years as an mainstay of his craftsmanship, thereby contributing to the launch of many artists and to the artistic development of his famed province.

As an accomplished sculptor devoting strenuous care to the quality of his productions, Richard SALLES is committing all his know-how and experience to the service of creative artists who are entrusting him with the realization of their bronze sculpture. Whether such artists are ordering the full execution of their bronze edition or have chosen to simply ask him to cast the wax model, thereafter re-chiseling, finishing and patinating their artwork for themselves, Richard is committing to providing them with the whole support that they need in order to bring their undertaking to a smooth and rewarding completion.

Richard SALLES named his foundry works AERIS which happens to be the ancient Greek name for weapon-grade bronze. He is using the most diverse bronze casting techniques, alternatively used according to the wishes of the artists or as may be required under the technical constraints for the casting of complex pieces.