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 specialize 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 stabilizing 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.
In the Studio, Berry Pomeroy, Devon, Photography by Laurence Galloway.
Restoration of two broken gilt 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.
Fern Restoration - Private client
Before Toning
After Toning
If you have an antique frame needing restoration, for a subtle touch-up or a full conservation project, I will ensure your frame retains its story while regaining its former brilliance.