Christoph Paccard Bellfoundries
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Bell Casting Events
The art of creating a cast bronze bell is steeped in centuries-old history and ritual. The bellfounder's often crafted the bell in the courtyard of the local church where it was to be placed.
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Christoph Paccard is keeping that tradition alive by offering our clients the same once-in-a-lifetime experience: participating in and witnessing the creation of your own cast bronze bell right on your own property!
The History
Historically, bellfounders traveled to the church and dug a pit in the ground in front of the church at the base of the tower.
In the pit, he created the bell mold and prepared it for the casting. While this was happening, he built a very hot fire to melt the bronze, typically using oak wood.
Once the bronze was molten, the founder would make his pour into the bell mold. After the bell was cast, it would be carefully raised from the pit, and the mold broken off. Any remaining particles of clay were scrubbed and polished from the bell before hoisting it into the tower.
How It Works Today
Today, our state-of-the-art mobile furnace makes life a lot easier for the bellfounder, and no digging or fire pit is required.
The rest of the process is very much the same today as back then, and, with the exception of actually pouring the molten bronze, the bell casting process can be a "hands-on" event, with participation from children, adults, and elders.
The Two-Day Event
At the beginning of the first day, small, bronze ingots (bars of bronze) are placed into the furnace.
While the ingots are in the furnace melting, children (and adults) can make wax inscriptions to be taken home as mementos.
When the temperature of the bronze nears 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, the founders prepare to pour the molten bronze into the custom-made mold, where it hardens overnight.
The second day starts with a mold breaking ceremony, usually involving a sledgehammer, volunteers and a cheering section. Once the mold is broken away, the bell is sandblasted and highly polished, leaving it with a beautiful finish.
Finally, the bell is placed into a special stand, unveiled to the audience, and ceremonially rung for the first time for all to witness and hear.
Commemorating The Event
Specially-inscribed gift bells can also be sold or given away as part of the event. It's the perfect opportunity to commemorate an historic date, celebrate an anniversary, or to make the bell casting event part of a larger dedication service.
Please call us at 1-800-849-6670 to learn more about our customized bell casting events.