How We Created the Bronze Statue of Nurse Ruby Bradley

At Bronzeman^®, we take pride in transforming history into timeless works of art. We were honored to create this larger-than-life bronze statue of Nurse Ruby Bradley for Soldiers Walk Memorial Park in Arcadia, WI. Commissioned in 2025 by Mr. Ronald Wanek, Founder of Ashley Furniture Industries, this memorial captures the strength, courage, and compassion of one of America’s most decorated military nurses.

Every detail of this sculpture was meticulously handcrafted and cast using the ancient lost-wax process — a technique that has been perfected over thousands of years. First, a detailed clay model is sculpted, which is then used to create a mold. Molten wax is poured into the mold to form a perfect replica, which is then encased in a ceramic shell. Once the wax is melted away, the hollow shell is filled with molten bronze. After cooling, the shell is carefully broken apart to reveal the raw bronze, which is then hand-finished and patinated to achieve its final, enduring beauty. This method ensures that every fold of fabric, expression, and detail is preserved with remarkable precision.

From the lifelike expression on her face to the flowing lines of her uniform, the statue reflects the dedication and artistry that go into each of our custom bronze sculptures.

Nurse Ruby Bradley (1907–2002) served heroically in both World War II and the Korean War. As a prisoner of war in the Philippines from 1942 to 1945, she cared for fellow soldiers under unimaginable conditions. Later, in Korea, she once again put herself in harm’s way to save lives. For her extraordinary service, she was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Korean War Service Medal, and many other honors.

This bronze memorial ensures that her remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations while showcasing the power of custom bronze to honor true heroes.

If you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind memorial or work of art, let Bronzeman^® bring your vision to life. Explore our custom sculptures or call us today at (877) 528-2531.