In addition to custom bronze plaques, Masterwork Plaques can create a variety of armed service medallions, military insignias, service crests, badges and veteran memorials from existing military artwork and logos.  These metal military seals can be created from any of the materials we offer, from cast bronze and cast aluminum, to etched bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and zinc.  Each metal offers its own function and unique qualities.  Bronze and brass typically are considered more traditional looking metals whereas stainless steel, aluminum and zinc give the armed service plaque a contemporary feel.  

MILITARY SEALS & CRESTS

BAS-RELIEF MILITARY SEALS

Military seals are most traditionally created using a cast bronze, bas-relief technique.  This armed service seal style includes prismatic, hand-carved emblems and surrounding raised text with customized border. We have a variety of existing bas-relief patterns for military seals in stock at our studio. If another version of the military crest is requested, our studio clay-artists can hand-carve a new pattern to recreate the specific armed service seal to our client’s specific needs.

Our in-stock patterns include:

• U.S. Army plaques
• Department of the Navy plaques
• Department of the Air Force plaques
• U.S. Marine Corps plaques
• U.S. Coast Guard plaques
• Etched or Cast Military Plaques
• Bas-Relief and Flat Relief military plaques

ETCHED MILITARY SEALS

As a cost-effective alternative to cast bronze bas-relief medallions, we also offer “etched” military seals.  Etched plaques and medallions are lighter in weight and offer a more contemporary look.  Rather than including dimensional elements, these emblems are created graphically, with simple raised and recessed areas.  Graphic military seals give each plaque an illustrated and sleek design. 

FULL-COLOR MILITARY SEALS

Another alternative we offer is the recreation of full color logos and seals on metal military plaques. This process is best used for interior applications.  Using your high-quality photograph, we can create a full-color, printed metal replication of the logo or military crest of your choice.  This process is not created by digitally printing onto laminate or plastic; instead, it seals various dyes into anodized aluminum for a long-lasting, quality product.

VETERAN MEMORIALS / MILITARY BASE PLAQUES

Masterwork Plaques specializes in the creation of Veteran memorials and custom military base plaques.  Tributes to veterans can consist of cast bronze nameplates, commemorative plaques, illustrated bas-relief carvings, photo-portraits, etc.  Veteran recognition plaques can be installed on a wall, at a memorial site, inset into custom plinths or be given as gifts to deserving service members.  Masterwork Plaques provides design assistance and the necessary hardware for all these installations.

 Our studio has experience creating large-scale medallions for the entrances of various military bases and training facilities, as an alternative to plastic or glass signage.  Our custom circular medallions can be inset into the paving, on a wall, or the entrance lobby of your building to include a military base logo, armed forces seal, or other artwork.  Masterwork Plaques past clients include: The West Point Military Academy, The F.B.I., NASA Washington DC, US Department of State, The Los Angeles Police Department, The Los Angeles Fire Department, The Dallas Police Department, The City of New York and more.

For more information on military and veteran plaques, contact us at masterworkplaques@gmail.com.

Masterwork Plaques can provide a large range of options when translating imagery, graphics and portraits into cast bronze plaques.  One of the most unique and artistic methods we use is what is called a “bas-relief” technique.  This hand carving technique is a time-intensive, one-of-a-kind process, created with help from our studio’s experienced clay artists. “Bas-relief” is a traditional method of low relief sculpture, and is often found on historic bronze plaques. While it is most often associated with portraits, it can be used for logos, architectural renderings and depictions of plants, animals and people. Bas-relief imagery adds an authenticity and character to your cast bronze plaque project that can't be matched.

The bas-relief carving process starts with an image.  When creating portrait plaques, we ask our customers to provide an image of the person they are looking to memorialize in bronze.  We then share this image with our clay artists and after sitting with the portrait; they attempt to capture the person’s features, smile and unique qualities in clay.  Our studio works closely with both our clients and sculptors to ensure that the carving has a true likeness to the subject. 

Once the clay carving is complete, our designers mold the carving using a two-part rubber mold, and finally cast it again in plastic.  This gives us a more sturdy relief pattern that is safe for casting in bronze.  After the portrait plaque is cast in bronze, we then finish our bronze plaques with a true chemical patina, so that the bronze plaque will last for years, without the risk of peeling or chipping.

 Important notes for Bas-Relief Portrait Plaques

• The subjects face must be at least 6” high from chin to crown.
• The provided image must be of high quality with minimal pixilation, blurriness, and shadowing.
• Two rounds of revisions are included, to ensure a true likeness to the subject.
• Manufacturing time is approximately 8-10 weeks after the order is placed. 

Bas-relief carvings are a great way to differentiate your plaque from the mass-produced signage and template based memorial plaques that too often dominate in the plaque-making industry.  Our studio has created portrait plaques, historical markers, and even architectural renderings using bronze bas relief.  Masterwork Plaques is committed to revolutionizing the plaque making business, from a field with mass-produced signage and standard template based plaques, into an industry where each plaque is created from unique designs and materials of the finest quality. 

Building management plaques, metal building owner signs and leasing agent markers are an excellent way to both to secure property and provide a stylish statement piece recognizing building ownership.  Our studio specializes in the creation of these custom building plaques, translating your company’s logo and business information into an eye-catching work of cast metal art.  Our studio also offers discounts on quantity plaque orders, understanding that our property management, building owner, landlord and leasing agent clients often work with multiple properties. 

Building management plaques have a great amount of flexibility in regards to their design.  Material, size, border style and finishing techniques can be tailored to the brand and personality of each company and property location.  For example, bronze and brass plaques are typically associated with a more traditional styled building, whereas a stainless steel or aluminum plaque is visually more contemporary and match modern construction.

We also can offer a variety of border styles and finishing techniques, shown on our plaque options page, that can set your plaque apart from the rest. 

Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finishes

Finally, Masterwork Plaques offers secure installation techniques that both seamlessly integrate into a plaque's design and protect against any risk of theft. For more information on building management plaques, contact us at masterworkplaques@gmail.com. 

The Renovation of Edgewood Shopping Center, 72" x 48" Cast Bronze Plaques

Masterwork Plaques was invited to create two large-scale commemorative plaques for the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center, located in Palo Alto, CA, which were recently installed in May 2015.  The shopping center was originally developed by the well-known real estate developer, Joseph Eichler, in the mid-1950’s.  Over the past few years, the site has gone through restoration and redevelopment by Sand Hill Property Company.  Our custom-designed bronze plaques include the original site plans created by Eichler and architect A. Quincy Jones in 1955, in addition to providing a brief history of Eichler’s well-known “California Modern” style. 

Image provided by Sand Hill Property Company and the Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

Joseph Eichler developed over 11,000 affordable houses in California, and is considered one of the most influential builders of his day.  He was influenced by the styles of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, and even lived in a Frank Lloyd Wright house himself.  His goal was to “bring the outside in” with floor to ceiling windows, patios and gardens.  He incorporated these ideas into Edgewood Plaza, the only commercial property Eichler ever built. The original shopping center was considered a landmark for its suburban post-war design, and for this reason, the two custom bronze plaques were created.  

Edgewood Plaza: Cast Bronze Plaque (1 of 2)

Our studio was able to recreate several of Eichler’s original site drawings and architectural plans in bronze. Taken from a scan from historic archives, the first plaque shows two different renderings created in the mid 1950’s (the third is a photograph from 2014).  Our studio can depict historic renderings in two ways: either illustrated in flat-relief, or recreated as a photo-rendered image.  The illustrated drawing spans across the bottom half of the first plaque.  This drawing from A. Quincy Jones was originally rendered in a simple black and white style. We felt this style was important to keep alive when translated into bronze. The second image in the top left corner of the first plaque is rendered in a photographic style, because the original rendering was composed of complex shading, more like a photographic image.  It is contrasted with a photo from the 2014 renovated site to its right. On the second plaque (shown below), the original illustrated plan view from the 1955 shopping center is shown contrasted against its 2014 renovated layout, giving us another before and after look at Edgewood Plaza, then and now.

Edgewood Plaza: Cast Bronze Plaque (2 of 2)

Masterwork Plaques has worked with many commercial properties in the past on projects ranging in complexity from building management plaques, to historic commemorations and landmark projects.  For a bronze plaque project of this scope, “before and after” images both commemorate the original designs and welcome any changes to the newly renovated properties.  The custom plaques also provide an opportunity for education and historic context for the casual passerby.  For more information on historic landmark plaques and building management plaques, send us an email at masterworkplaques@gmail.com.

What is the difference between an etched stainless steel and aluminum plaque? 

Etched Stainless Steel plaque with Polished "Mirror" finish & Medium Grey Infill

One common question we are asked by our clients is the difference between two visually similar metals: stainless steel and aluminum.  Both are silver in color, yet they are quite different when it comes to their other characteristics, specifically regarding their density and weight.

etched stainless steel

Dense and Durable | Corrosion resistant | Non-porous surface

Stainless Steel is an excellent choice for a plaque exposed to a significant amount of wear and tear and varying weather conditions.  The benefit of stainless steel is its exceptional durability and its corrosive-resistant surface.  Stainless steel is less likely to dent or warp over time.  It is also resistant to discoloration, because of its non-porous surface. 

CAST ALUMINUM

Softer metal | Light weight | Cost-effective

Cast aluminum plaques have unique benefits of their own.  Although aluminum is a much softer metal, it is significantly lighter in weight than stainless steel.  It is a great choice for interior plaques and can be mounted to just about any type of wall, stone or platform, as can stainless steel. At our studio, aluminum is a great alternative to stainless if you are looking to create a large custom plaque on a small budget.  Aluminum is not recommended for plaques that are inset into the ground or susceptible to a significant amount of wear and tear.  Aluminum is a soft metal and can bend and warp if it is dropped or damaged. 

metal finishes

Both metals are silver in color, which can give plaques a contemporary look—a pleasant alternative to the traditional cast bronze plaque.  Both aluminum and stainless steel plaques can be finished in three different fashions: Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finishes. 

On Stainless Steel (from left to right): Random Orbital, Satin and Polished finish

The random orbital finish is a great choice for a plaque that is installed in an area susceptible to scratching, bumping, etc.  Random orbital subtly disguises these scratches, as the sander used in our studio to produce this finish creates hundreds of small textural strokes on the surface of the plaque in every direction.  The finish gives the plaque a buffed look and creates a disguise for any accidental scratch or dent, which could otherwise ruin the look of a perfectly smooth plaque.  Alternatively, the satin, or “brushed”, finish can be added to the plaque, which is created by a different type of sander in our studio.  This is our most popular finish choice. A satin finish is created by adding a horizontal stroke to the plaque, giving it a smooth brushed surface.  It is more susceptible to scratches, but mounted in the right place, it has a very crisp and refined look.  The final option is a polished finish, which is exceptionally unique.  The metal surface is polished until it is reflective, which is why it is also referred to as a mirror finish. This is a great finish if you want to draw attention to the plaque from a distance.  It is often used on lobby plaques and general signage, in both interior and exterior settings.

For more questions on the difference between these metals and their finishes, check out our plaque options or reach out to us at masterworkplaques@gmail.com.

Central Park: East Side at 107th Street entrance just south of the Harlem Meer

Masterwork Plaques recently collaborated with the Central Park Conservancy and the NYC Parks Department to recreate a historic commemorative plaque.  Designed and installed just in time for spring of 2015, this custom bronze plaque is an exact replica of the original dedicated in 1906, which was lost sometime in the 1970’s.

2015 Replica of the original McGown's Pass plaque

McGown’s Pass (sometimes spelled “McGowan’s”) is a small part of the northeast section of Central Park and is named after the McGown family, who owned a tavern in the area from 1756 until the Revolutionary War.  The plaque commemorates the area’s advantageous position during the British occupation of New York from 1776 to 1783, in addition to its use during the War of 1812, where Fort Clinton was built to better arm and protect the city.  McGown’s Pass is a high-topographical point in the park, and today, a commemorative site (where the newly installed plaque can be found) rests at the high point of the hill. 

McGown's Pass site, Before and After; Black and white photo courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy.

Masterwork Plaques was able to recreate this custom-shaped plaque from the reference of two black and white photos and an incomplete image of the original design plans.  This was the only remaining evidence of the original plaque’s design.  Using our extensive font library, we were able to design and customize each letter to best imitate the look of the original hand-tooled type.  Masterwork Plaques also modified our lamb’s tongue decorative border to include a sloped and dimensional ogee curve and custom corner details, which were present on the original historic plaque. Custom rosettes were also replicated and hand-carved based on the specifications on the original design plan. 

  Photo of the original plaque, courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy

Most importantly, when replicating a historic bronze plaque, is to capture the natural aged, antique look of a real chemical patina.  Masterwork Plaques’ offers specialty services from highly skilled artisans who can imitate natural tarnishing, corrosion, and weathering that occurs over time.  A true chemical patina chemically changes the surface color of the bronze, which eliminates the possibility of chipping away or peeling off over time, as occurs with a layer of paint or a stain from imitation patinas.  Oftentimes plaque companies will apply a layer of paint rather than a chemical patina, which is cheaper, but will not last the test of time.

All of these elements were vital to creating an exact replica of this historic bronze plaque. Techniques from this project can be used on any plaque project, whether the goal is to replicate a historic landmark, or to simply add an antique quality to any personal or commercial plaque that may aim to look like it has been in place for decades.  Our studio specializes in these custom design techniques.  Masterwork Plaques came into being from the desire to revolutionize the bronze plaque industry so that each plaque is created with one-of-a-kind designs and materials of the finest quality.

Starbucks Coffee: N7th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

These newly installed Starbucks medallions were created to commemorate the origin of the renowned coffee company in Seattle and welcome the franchise to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The eight-inch diameter bronze medallions are installed in the second Starbucks location in Williamsburg, and share the space with other works of art from local Brooklyn artisans. The two bronze medallions are inset into a custom walnut table, suited for coffee tastings, and depict an image of the original “Pike’s Place” café and the Williamsburg bridge using traditional bas-relief techniques. Customers sitting in the café are encouraged to interact with the bronze while tasting coffee from around the world.  The bronze coffee beans and various hand-carved cocoa leaves give each plaque a unique tactile texture and give the tasting area an artisanal and unique quality.  New collaborations with Starbucks are underway at our studio, with every new medallion created commemorating the local histories from each unique location.  

Custom bronze medallions modernize and differentiate familiar spaces.  With thousands of locations across the country and world, the unique artworks are what set the Williamsburg Starbucks location apart, making the café feel local, original and a part of the Williamsburg community. Each medallion features a custom border made from casting actual coffee beans, which make the bronze insets unique to Starbucks.  Cast bronze medallions can be created at any size and shape using bas-relief carving techniques and can be customized with photographs, carvings, tactile objects and text.   

How can I add a portrait or photograph to a cast bronze plaque?

More often than not, cast bronze memorial and commemorative plaques will include an image of a loved one, principal, board member or friend in addition to a paragraph listing their accomplishments.  Our studio can recreate portraits and photographs onto a cast bronze plaque in one of three ways: photo-rendered portraits, bas-relief portraits and illustrated portraits.

bas-relief portraits

The most traditional portrait type is created using a bas-relief technique.  Using this method, one of our professional artists will hand carve a sculpted portrait of the subject based on the photograph of your choice. Originally carved in clay, then molded and cast in bronze or aluminum, this technique largely relies on the skills of our clay artists. This portrait technique takes 8-10 weeks to complete, and is the most expensive portrait option we offer.

PHOTO-RENDERED PORTRAITS

One of our studio's more contemporary techniques we use for portraits is the photo-rendering technique.  This method digitally translates a high-resolution photograph into a low relief, multi-dimensional casting.  It retains many of the details of the photograph, ensuring a high-quality exact reproduction in bronze.  This is a less time-consuming technique, with manufacturing time running around 4 weeks.  It is also the most affordable portrait option at our studio.

illustrated portraits

Another more contemporary portrait technique is the illustrated portrait option.  Our designers will use a photograph of your choice as a template for a black & white illustrated drawing of the subject.  All the white areas in the illustration will convert into raised bronze colored areas on the plaque, and the black portions of the drawing will be recessed and dark and will become the plaque background. Manufacturing time for an illustrated plaque runs around 5-6 weeks.  

LAFD Metro Fire Communications Center on Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Fire Department, these bronze castings memorialize Captain Matthew McKnight, a fallen firefighter and 31-year veteran of the LAFD.  The twelve inch diameter medallions were created in cast bronze, using the logo of the city's fire department. Based on the preferences of the client, the medallion was filled with three different paint colors, rather than a standard chemical patina.  

In addition to the bronze medallion, a larger plaque was created for a memorial wall dedicated in McKnight's name.  This central plaque includes the circular memorial medallion and an illustration of McKnight's personal captain's badge. This illustration was created based off of a photograph provided by the client, and replicated by our designers at our studio.  The black areas are translated into raised bronze colored areas on the finished plaque, whereas the white areas are translated as recessed and become the same level as the plaque's background.  Masterwork Plaques can translate any object, landscape or portrait into a flat relief illustration using this technique.  

LAFD Badge, Photograph courtesy of the LAFD

Studio Illustration with McKnight's badge number

Donations can be made to the LAFD website in honor of Captain McKnight on their donations page.

What borders can I add to my cast bronze plaque?

Cast bronze plaques can be created with a variety of different border styles.  Typically a cast bronze plaque will have a simple border that is raised extending about ¼” from the edge of the plaque.  Borders are typically recommended on most cast bronze plaques, as they give the piece a finished and refined quality and also protect the central text and graphics from general damage. However, on occasion a borderless cast plaque may be preferred if the plaque will be inset into brick or into the ground and needs to have a seamless and integrated look with its surroundings. If a border is preferred, a standard single line border can be expanded to a double line border, beveled edge border, or even a combination of more than one border technique.  These borders are standard at our studio and are included in the price of the plaque (shown below).