About Gilding

Gilding is the art of applying thin layers of gold or other precious metals onto a surface to create a lustrous and decorative effect. It is a technique that has been practised for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. The process involves adhering gold leaf or gold foil onto various objects or surfaces, such as frames, sculptures, furniture, architectural elements, and even artworks. I offer a range of specialised gilding services tailored to meet your unique needs.  Here are a few of my gilding commissions.

YORKSHIRE ROSE

The private owner with a carved stone yorkshire rose, wanted it gilding for display in his house. The bare carved stone first had to be sealed and primed before any gilding preparation could be carried out. 

Owner: Private

Dado fillets

Large collection of new reproduction dado fillets, arrived from the manufacturer in Leeds. They required full traditional oil gilding in preparation for installation in an historic house. These dado fillets were used to frame newly replaced silk wall coverings and sit just above the dado rails. 

Owner: Private

Pair of brackets

I was asked to rescue a pair of worn gothic brackets. These amazing pieces, had once been gilded. Unfortunately they had suffered greatly during their long-term storage in a damp cellar and then an unqualified individual attempted to remove the original gilding, resulting in a disastrous outcome.

Carefully assessing the damage and establishing the original gilding scheme, I applied new gilding, ensuring a flawless finish. The brackets, were then suitably aged and toned. 

Owner: Private

Gilded maratta Frame

When the frame arrived in my care, it was in a state of disrepair. Over the years the wood had been left brittle and sections had broken off. The original gilding had also suffered, with discolouration and losses to the surface. It was clear that a comprehensive treatment was necessary to revive it. 

All of the areas where surface loss had occurred were re-built to match the original, ensuring neat integration to the frame’s unique character. Once the groundwork was completed, I did some localised re-gilding, employing traditional techniques and the finest materials to restore its radiant golden finish.

Owner: Hepworth Gallery

BRITISH ROCOCO REVIVAL FRAME

This frame was home to the captivating painting “Sunny Summer Evening in the Meadows” by T.S. Cooper.

At some point in its history, the frame had been completely coated in a layer of gold paint, which obscured its intricate details and quickly deteriorated in appearance. 

I removed the over-paint chemically, unveiling. The original decoration was repaired. Re-gilding the surface was the final touch in this transformative process. The process breathed new life into the frame and allowed its true splendour to shine once again!

Owner: Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate Museums and Arts.

pre-raphaelite style Frame

This frame was home to Arthur Hughes’ masterpiece, “The Rift within the Lute,” I was asked to restore the frame for the esteemed Tullie House Museum in Carlisle. The frame had endured an unfortunate overpaint, its true finish concealed beneath layers of gold paint. 

I removed the old overpaint, unveiling the intricate details that had long been obscured. Every loss and damage suffered by the frame was addressed. I recreated the missing elements, ensuring a perfect restoration.

Following the original gilding scheme, I applied the gilded finish, finally reinstating the frame’s grandeur.

Owner: Tullie House Museum, Carlisle.

18th Century Frame

Time had not been kind to this 18th Century Carlo Maratta style large landscape frame.

The first step was to carefully clean away the accumulated layers of grime and debris, revealing the hidden beauty of the frame. 

Surface repairs and partial re-gilding was necessary. I applied the gilded finish, reviving the frame’s regal presence. 

This is an excellent example of the skill and understanding of the original craftsman – the burnished gilding in the hollow behind the carved sections would reflect the candle light like living flame around the portrait. Details such as this are often lost with improper restoration.  

 Owner: Private

Have you got a project in mind?

Ready to bring life back to your gilded item?

Contact me today and let’s get your project started.