The Grove at Lyncombe Vale offers bed & breakfast guests a unique opportunity to stay at the home of a working sculptor, Robert Hornyold-Strickland. Robert combines his sculpting with running a luxury 5 star Wolsey Lodge Bed & Breakfast. So, if you are looking for a special anniversary gift, you can discuss arrangements for your special commission with Robert during your stay. This might be where you plan on having the portrait bust displayed and the type of expression you want him to capture. Robert can prepare an estimate for the work in advance of your stay.

If you want to retain an element of surprise for the special portrait bust of your family member or friend, Robert can work up the framework of the clay bust in advance of your arrival, as he is able to work initially from accurate head measurements and good portrait photographs (that he prefers to take himself). However it is also necessary for him to work from actual life sittings in the final stages, and these will need to be planned into your weekend stay at The Grove at Lyncombe Vale.

On completion of the bust, and on final approval from the guest/client, Robert will arrange for the clay to be sent for bronze casting. Bronze castings are done at a specialist foundry, using the traditional lost-wax process with Robert monitoring every stage of the work. This casting process, with final patination, can take up to two months to complete, after which for final delivery of the work can be made. A portrait bust is a very special gift that will 'immortalise' a person for future generations.