Tallix is a renowned foundry based in Beacon, New York, that specializes in the production of fine art castings. The foundry was founded in 1972 by sculptor Dick Polich, who recognized the need for a foundry that could handle the complex and demanding requirements of contemporary sculpture. Over the years, Tallix has built a reputation for its technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to working closely with artists to bring their visions to life.
One of Tallix's most notable works is the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City. The foundry was responsible for casting the 176 bronze panels that make up the parapets surrounding the Memorial's two reflecting pools. Each panel was cast using the lost-wax process, which involves creating a wax model of the panel, coating it in a ceramic shell, and then melting out the wax before pouring in molten bronze. The panels were then finished using a combination of hand and machine work to achieve the desired texture and finish. The process took several years to complete, and involved a team of skilled artisans working around the clock to ensure that the panels were of the highest possible quality.
In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, Tallix has worked on a wide range of other projects, including public art installations, private commissions, and museum exhibitions. One of the foundry's most high-profile collaborations was with the artist Jeff Koons, who worked with Tallix to produce his iconic "Balloon Dog" sculptures. The sculptures, which are made from highly polished stainless steel, are based on children's party balloons and are intended to evoke a sense of playfulness and joy. Tallix was responsible for fabricating the sculptures, which required an incredibly precise and intricate welding process to achieve the seamless, mirror-like finish.
Another notable project that Tallix worked on was the restoration of the Statue of Liberty's torch, which had been damaged by a bombing in 1916. The foundry was responsible for creating a new torch using the original molds and techniques that had been used to create the original torch. The project was a massive undertaking that required the foundry to work closely with the National Park Service and a team of engineers to ensure that the new torch was structurally sound and would be able to withstand the harsh conditions on Liberty Island.
Tallix has also collaborated with a wide range of other artists, including Robert Indiana, Kiki Smith, and Frank Stella. One of the foundry's most challenging projects was working with the sculptor Richard Serra to produce his massive steel sculptures, which can weigh upwards of 200 tons. Tallix was responsible for fabricating the sculptures, which required an enormous amount of technical expertise and precision to ensure that the finished pieces were exactly as the artist had envisioned.
Overall, Tallix is a world-renowned foundry that has played a key role in the production of some of the most iconic works of contemporary sculpture. The foundry's technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to working closely with artists have made it a trusted partner for some of the most demanding and complex projects in the field.
