In the Studio

I like to keep my feet on the ground sometimes and work on some smaller pieces in the studio. Restoration and newly gilded small pieces. I like to use authentic techniques in keeping with the age of the antique, and sometimes really old 17,th, 18, 19th Century frames. Luckily Gilding is an extremely timeless technique so water gilding is usually made to a traditional recipe. Sometimes it can take some time to diagnose how a piece has been gilt, and toned. Weather its water or oil gilding, I like to remain within the authenticity of the piece.

Photography by  Laurence Galloway
Restoration of two broken gilt frames.
Process: The bottom of these mirrors had been cut off by the previous owner to use as overmantle frames. First step for me was to design a few new designs in photoshop for my client to choose the one he liked. The simpler Number 1. was chosen and so I went to work. Moulding, casting in gilders compo, a traditional recipe. Then tacking and gluing back the original wooden carvings and clamping till dry. Painting with yellow then red bole and gilding then toning. A delightful project from beginning to end.
Before: The broken mirror
Before: The broken mirror
The bottom had been cut off to use as an overmantle 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.
Designs I made in Photoshop out of pieces from the top of the frame I knew I can use for moulding.
gluing and clamping
gluing and clamping
Moulding
Moulding
The Mould
The Mould
Casting the compo
Casting the compo
trimming the compo
trimming the compo
Placing the compo designs
Placing the compo designs
after a lot of sanding and carving the compo to get the right shape, I laid gesso then bole.
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.
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.