Gilding 

Gilding is a skilled and labour intensive technique. The process of covering wooden objects with thin gold leaf to replicate solid gold was used by the ancient Egyptians. Very little has changed with the traditional method of water gilding frames that we use today since the Renaissance times. This is when the frame as we know it developed from the integral ornate surrounds of altar pieces. With the huge increase in the production and availability of paintings came a need for simpler frames to surround and protect the art work. These early frames quickly developed into the varied styles that we have seen over the centuries.

We are able to re gild antique frames and supply reproduction antique frames to suit old paintings as well as making gilded frames for modern and contemporary art work using traditional water gilding and oil gilding techniques. Frames can be hand finished in many different and unique ways. We have a large selection of gilded and hand finished samples for you to see, with gold leaf, bronze powder, silver, aluminium, palladium, and metal leaf finishes. Please see articles for detailed descriptions of the gilding process  and other picture framing and restoration related topics.