Eagle Bronze Foundry: Crafting Artistic Excellence

Eagle Bronze, the distinguished Lander-based foundry renowned for its masterful bronze sculptures, began its journey in 1985 under the guidance of Monte and Beverly Paddleford. With more than three decades of history, this enterprise, employing over 35 individuals, has etched its name by crafting some of the world’s most iconic bronze artworks, emerging from modest origins.

During a recent interview within the Eagle Bronze premises, Monte Paddleford recounted the inception of their venture. Inspired by Beverly’s father, Bud Boller, an accomplished artist and sculptor who had established a small foundry in Dubois, Wyoming, the Paddlefords contemplated entering the business realm, with a foundry being an appealing path. As Monte Paddleford shared, their aspiration took shape after diverse experiences and led them to create their own small foundry in Lander. The original vision was to cast bronze sculptures primarily for her father and a select few artists, but their growth trajectory far exceeded these initial intentions.

The company’s evolution was gradual, primarily relying on word-of-mouth to secure projects. A transformative moment arrived in 1992 when artist Robert Summers, tasked with creating a monumental 19th-century cattle drive sculpture for downtown Dallas, reached out to Paddleford. The subsequent collaboration yielded a groundbreaking result – the world’s largest bronze monument, featuring three cowboys on horseback and an impressive herd of 70 steers.

Monte Paddleford recollected the intricate process that unfolded, involving innovative logistics and technology. To achieve the monumental task within budgetary and time constraints, they creatively sculpted 10 unique steers and skillfully manipulated various elements to create the illusion of individuality. This achievement marked a turning point, catapulting Eagle Bronze into global recognition.

The magnitude of the Dallas project necessitated facility upgrades, a transformation facilitated by a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Eagle Bronze’s larger facilities were instrumental in supporting subsequent endeavors. Reflecting on the pivotal role played by SBA, Paddleford noted, “SBA played a vital role in helping us get into our larger building on the campus.”

Eagle Bronze’s journey continued with a commitment to collaborate with artists and clients from conception to completion. Their comprehensive approach encompasses each stage of the sculpting process, from clay to ceramic molds, assembly, colorization, and even on-site installation for larger pieces. This dedication to perfection ensures that the artist’s vision is meticulously brought to life. Notably, Eagle Bronze’s capabilities extend to scaling down smaller sculptures or enlarging them to impressive sizes.

Beverly Paddleford, an artist herself, expressed their profound journey, remarking on the growth that exceeded their early expectations. The company’s involvement in numerous projects, including being the exclusive foundry for artist Arturo Di Modica, underscores their artistic impact.

More recently, an innovative idea emerged within the company – leveraging their expertise and equipment to establish a sideline business focused on transforming vehicles into versatile camping rigs and mobile offices. This initiative showcases Eagle Bronze’s dynamic spirit, evolving into an incubator for new ventures while embracing the ever-changing business landscape.

Monte Paddleford summed up the essence of business, stating, “I think that’s what business all is about, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.” As Eagle Bronze continues to forge ahead, its legacy of artistry, innovation, and adaptability remains an inspiration to all.

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