Ægis is a body casting studio based in Primrose Hill, North-West London.
I make both bespoke and ready-to-buy items, both works of art and wearable pieces. I focus on casting women and non-binary folks, but I may consider men if requested.
How does bespoke work?
You come to my studio. I’ll offer you some tea and we’ll discuss exactly what you’d like. I then make an impression of your body by applying a soft, body-safe silicone or alginate to the skin. This is not uncomfortable at all and comes off very easily when it sets. Click here to read more about what to expect in an appointment.
Using this impression, I make a cast using jesmonite (‘eco-resin’) reinforced with fibreglass. I use this because it has the same classic look as plaster, but is significantly stronger and lighter. I then finish it with whatever finish you choose. I work with everything from 24ct gold to custom paint colours. I love a creative challenge, so let me know if you want to try something different!
The studio
The studio is also my home. It is a safe space, a sacred place, a place for people to be their authentic selves. There is no place for shame or judgment here.
What is body casting?
Body casting (or life-casting) is the process of creating a three-dimensional replica of a living human body part.
There are two steps to this process:
1. Making a mould (a negative) using alginate or body-safe silicone.
2. Making a cast (a positive) by pouring plaster, resin or another material into the mould and then letting it set before extracting it from the mould.
ÆGIS is inspired by the beauty of hellenistic and neoclassical sculpture
The word ÆGIS comes from ancient Greek. It means a shield or breastplate associated with Zeus, the king of the gods and his daughter Athena, goddess of wisdom, warfare and handicraft. Like the aegis of ancient Greece, I make pieces that can be worn, pieces that are both beautiful and functional and echo the timeless beauty of classical and Hellenistic sculpture.