Ronald Rex is a life-size, hand-sculpted T-Rex skull fossil replica standing 2m tall, made from our custom low-carbon, glass-fibre-reinforced concrete (GRC) mix with a sealed bronze powder finish.

No 3D printing, CNC machining, or moulds were used in production. This is a one-off, unique piece, sculpted as accurately as possible from numerous image references of the most complete T-Rex skulls discovered to date.

While there is an internal wire armature, which supported the early-stage sculpting, the entire piece (including the base) has been built up and sculpted from GRC/GFRC, giving the skull its form and strength.

Ronald Rex was sculpted as a showcase of what can be achieved with GRC and as a means for us to push the boundaries of what we’ve previously done with the material, as well as test new production techniques.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex skull is highly complex and was the perfect subject for combining artistic expression with faithful reproduction. We wanted the texture to be as close to actual fossils as possible, with the bronze finish and subtle patina giving it the presence of a cast bronze sculpture. Part of our intention was for viewers to experience a sense of wonder at how it was created.

How to commission a sculpture in New Zealand? Head to our blog page to find out more about how to commission custom artwork.

Some of the making-of process videos can be found on our Instagram profile @unfound.co.nz