Restoration - Antique and period gilded frames, mirrors, and furniture hold stories of the past, but time can take its toll. Gold can flake, wood can crack, and surfaces can lose their brilliance. With over a decade of experience in the UK, I specialise in restoring and reviving these treasured pieces using traditional gilding techniques that have stood the test of time.
Whether it’s a delicate 18th-century frame in need of repair or a grand mirror requiring full restoration, I work with authentic methods to match the original craftsmanship. From stabilising fractured wood and repairing gesso layers to carefully colour-matching and reapplying gold leaf, I ensure a seamless finish that honours the history of each piece.
Each restoration is approached with respect for the artistry of the past, using conservation-grade materials to bring out the original splendour while preserving its integrity. Whether restoring antique water-gilded finishes or replicating oil-gilded details, my process ensures that every piece remains true to its heritage.
If you have a cherished gilded frame or heirloom in need of care, I’d love to help bring it back to life.
Bespoke Watergilded Frames – Crafted to Reflect Your Vision
I offer handcrafted, custom water gilded frames tailored to complement your artwork. Drawing inspiration from historical or existing frames, or a vision entirely your own, we’ll work together to design your perfect piece. From initial sketches and moulding selection, through gesso and bole preparation, to traditional gilding and carefully applied finishes, each frame is made with precision and care. Choose from a range of coloured golds and finishes, whether you’re after a luminous new shine or a richly aged patina. Your frame, your story—made timeless.
I offer handcrafted, custom water gilded frames tailored to complement your artwork. Drawing inspiration from historical or existing frames, or a vision entirely your own, we’ll work together to design your perfect piece. From initial sketches and moulding selection, through gesso and bole preparation, to traditional gilding and carefully applied finishes, each frame is made with precision and care. Choose from a range of coloured golds and finishes, whether you’re after a luminous new shine or a richly aged patina. Your frame, your story—made timeless.
In the Studio, Berry Pomeroy, Devon. Photo credit: Laurence Galloway.
Restoration Gilt Picture Frames
These two antique gilt frames had been cut down by a previous owner to fit over a mantel, leaving them incomplete. My first step was to design digital reconstructions in Photoshop, offering my client several options. He selected a simple yet elegant design, and I set to work.
Using traditional techniques, I moulded and cast missing details in gilder’s compo, carefully restoring the frames’ original form. The compo casts were fitted and attached, secured with traditional hide glues, and clamping until fully set. The frames were then prepared with gesso, yellow and red bole before being gilded and toned to seamlessly match the antique finish.
This project was a joy from start to finish, blending artistry with restoration to breathe new life into these historic pieces. Completed in London.
Before: The broken mirror
The bottom had been cut off to use as an overmantle mirror.
Designs I made in Photoshop out of pieces from the top of the frame I knew I can use for moulding.
gluing and clamping
Moulding
The Mould
Casting the compo
trimming the compo
Placing the compo designs
after a lot of sanding and carving the compo to get the right shape, I laid gesso then bole.
After gilding and some toning to match, it is finished.
After gilding and some toning to match, it is finished.
After gilding and some toning to match, it is finished.
After gilding and some toning to match, it is finished.
Restoring & Regilding four 17th-Century Frames
Restoring antique gilt frames requires both skill and sensitivity to historical integrity. This recent project involved four 17th-century frames, originally crafted to encase Old Master oil portraits. Over time, they had suffered from insect damage, structural decay, and the natural wear of centuries. The client requested an overgild, a process which I layered luminous 20ct citron gold over the original gilding. This approach maintains the historical integrity of the frame while bringing renewed brilliance, ensuring both preservation and continuity with its past.
Assessment & Structural Restoration
When the frames arrived at my studio, I immediately identified signs of active woodworm, with insects, dust and boreholes indicating live infestation. The first step was fumigation using a chemical-free warm air treatment to fully eliminate pests while preserving the delicate wood. Once stabilized, I meticulously removed rotten sections, consolidated weakened areas with glue injections, and hand-carved replacement pieces of wood to seamlessly match the original design. Layers of traditional gesso were then applied to smooth and unify the surface.
When the frames arrived at my studio, I immediately identified signs of active woodworm, with insects, dust and boreholes indicating live infestation. The first step was fumigation using a chemical-free warm air treatment to fully eliminate pests while preserving the delicate wood. Once stabilized, I meticulously removed rotten sections, consolidated weakened areas with glue injections, and hand-carved replacement pieces of wood to seamlessly match the original design. Layers of traditional gesso were then applied to smooth and unify the surface.
Gilding Process: Water & Oil Gilding
To honor the frame’s historical craftsmanship, I used entirely traditional materials and techniques, layering thin, conscientious coats of gesso and bole, the latter carefully color-matched to the original. The watergilded sections, particularly the larger cartouches, allowed for the distinctive "ley lines" that emerge in authentic 17th-century gilding. For the recessed areas, oil gilding provided greater durability.
To honor the frame’s historical craftsmanship, I used entirely traditional materials and techniques, layering thin, conscientious coats of gesso and bole, the latter carefully color-matched to the original. The watergilded sections, particularly the larger cartouches, allowed for the distinctive "ley lines" that emerge in authentic 17th-century gilding. For the recessed areas, oil gilding provided greater durability.
For this project, we selected 20ct citron gold, a slightly lighter tone to refresh the frames while maintaining their antique character. Once the gold was laid, I carefully toned the surface using a custom mixture of 99% proof Polish vodka and pigment, aging the gold to blend seamlessly with the period aesthetic.
The Final Results
After weeks of precise work—decontamination, stabilization, carving, gilding, and toning—the four frames were beautifully restored. The result? A luminous yet historically faithful finish that will continue to frame these masterpieces for centuries to come. -London. 2020.
After weeks of precise work—decontamination, stabilization, carving, gilding, and toning—the four frames were beautifully restored. The result? A luminous yet historically faithful finish that will continue to frame these masterpieces for centuries to come. -London. 2020.
Restoration of a French c1850 mirror in a Louis XIII revival style with a rococo fronton.
Fern Frame Restoration - Private client
Before Toning
After Toning
original patina
original patina
corner fixes
red bole restoration
desired finish from the client
bright gold
bright gold finish
Old frames and furniture often flake, chip, or suffer damage over time. Using time-honoured gilding methods unchanged for hundreds of years, Tilia Gilding stabilise fractured wood and gesso, preserving as much original detail as possible. Each piece tells its own story, revealed during careful conservation. With expert cleaning, consolidation, and gilding, we revive your treasures—whether with a bright finish or a soft, aged patina—so they can shine for another hundred years.
BEFORE
Here I'm restoring a 300-year-old frame made specifically for a 300-year-old oil portrait. After cleaning it with conservation-grade soap, I injected glue into the joints, filled major gaps with carved wood, and moulded missing elements using gilder’s compo. In fragile areas, I reinforced corners with silk to prevent further cracking. The client was thrilled with the result, which beautifully complements the historic painting.
AFTER
Here I'm restoring a 300-year-old frame made specifically for a 300-year-old oil portrait. After cleaning it with conservation-grade soap, I injected glue into the joints, filled major gaps with carved wood, and moulded missing elements using gilder’s compo. In fragile areas, I reinforced corners with silk to prevent further cracking. The client was thrilled with the result, which beautifully complements the historic painting.
AFTER
If you have an antique frame needing restoration, for a subtle touch-up or a full conservation project, retain your frame's provenance while regaining its former brilliance.
Bespoke Watergilded Frames – Crafted to Reflect Your Vision