Otter Swimming on Back

Otters are the only wild animals known to use tools, and David Meredith has captured one of their most endearing habits here — floating on its back, a little stone resting on its chest. It's a small detail, but it transforms this from a pleasing animal sculpture into something with a genuine story in it. Cast in solid bronze and finished by hand, the piece sits flat and low at just 1.4 cm tall, with the otter stretched out to 3.8 cm. Irresistible for anyone who loves otters, Irish rivers, or wildlife in miniature.

Height: 1.4 cm / 0.5" · Width: 1.5 cm / 0.6" · Depth: 3.8 cm / 1.5"

Please note that all our tiny bronzes are cast and finished by hand. This may mean that there are slight differences in the colour of the patina, and sometimes you may find small inconsistencies in the cast, e.g. a minuscule air bubble or slight abrasion marks where the finished castings have been fettled (filed). These differences won't detract from the beauty of your miniature sculpture; if anything they will show, without a doubt, that these pieces are all individually handmade.

Bronze Sculpture FAQs

How should I keep my miniature sculpture in tip top condition?

These tiny bronze sculptures are so easy to care for: they have been given a dark brown wax coating over their natural brassy colour, and will need nothing more than a gentle wipe with a soft cloth to keep the dust off.

What's the difference between foundry-cast and hot-cast?

Absolutely nothing. They're two different terms for the same thing: molten bronze is poured into a mould and left to cool before being removed and finished.

What about cold-cast, is that the same?

No, cold-casting is a different method, in which bronze powder is mixed with resin and poured into a moud to set. There is no heat involved, and the finished product is significantly lighter (and cheaper) than a foundry-cast bronze piece. At Alcove Art, all of our pieces are foundry-cast.

All images © 2026 Gill Pottle