For more than 30 years, Henri Studio of Wauconda, Illinois, has designed, fabricated, and shipped outdoor fountains, statuary, and garden décor products. The business was founded by the late Eneri Prosperi, who immigrated from Bagni di Lucca, a tiny charming village in Tuscany, Italy. Tuscany is known for its olive oil, wines and romanticized scenery; the cultural heart of Italy. For centuries it has been a development heart for the arts, attracting gifted painters, sculptors and artisan.
Today, Henri Studio is the world’s chief designer and manufacturer of quality cast stone garden décor products. Henri Studio is applauded worldwide for their unique, internationally copyrighted designs. Sculpted, molded, hand-poured, and hand-painted, each Henri design reflects the premium quality of authentic craftsmanship that comes from three generations of an Italian family.
So what is cast stone? Cast stone is basically man-made limestone. It is produced from fine crushed natural stone, natural sand, Portland cement, iron oxide hue pigments, chemical admixtures, and water. Usually there is low water-to-cement ratio. which permits it to consolidate without air pockets by tamping or vibration for strength and durability. The hue pigments allow cast stone to be offered in practically any color from core to exterior that will replicate the look of natural stones including limestone, granite, travertine, or marble. Correctly fashioned, cast stone has the same or stronger physical properties as most shaped natural stones.
Used to fabricate an outdoor fountains or sculpture, cast stone replicates the natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Nonetheless, to make an article of enduring beauty, an extraordinary level of craftsmanship is required. Firstly, the model for use as a form pattern must be constructed. Henri Studio has hundreds of original patterns to which they still append each year. Fountains vary in style from minimal 2-piece, 30″ tall accent pieces to soaring bowls topped by ornamental figures all located in a water pool. Yet every fountain or statuary piece must have a pattern to form its mold.
The mold gives the shape to the casting material (cast stone), and it can be constructed from nearly any material. The most common mold materials are wood, plaster, fiberglass and rubber. Further materials used are clay, gelatin, gypsum, Styrofoam, plastic, concrete and, one of the earliest casting media, sand. Countless advances have been made in rubber that that are suitable for not only casting final products, but for obtaining impressions of existing and historical work as well. The mold producer knows which material to pick for a particular purpose and exactly how to use it.
After casting each item, the artist completes the look. Henri Studio offers a large variety of paint and stain finishes. A select number of items are available in the Henri Hi-Tone finish that incorporates delicate tonal highlighting of various hues applied discretely and blended to a picture perfect general effect in vibrant but tasteful style. Penetrating, sealer-type paints are used that are produced to avoid weathering for numerous years. In time, the clear sheen may fade, but it can be rejuvenated using a light coat of Henri Sealer Spray.
Set up of a fountain or statue is easy. The base pedestal must be set in a solid, flat spot. This is necessary for overall stability as well as the even flow of water. In most cases, firm level earth is all that is required. Optionally, concrete patio block may be used or a permanent concrete pad can be poured. No plumbing line is needed since Henri fountains utilize submersible recirculating pumps. You will need a correctly grounded 120 volt AC GFCI sheltered receptacle close to the fountain location. Your fountain site should as well be accessible with a garden hose for replenishing.
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