Gilding

“I came across Jeni after buying a new console table from a specialist reproduction retailer and being very disappointed with the flatness and quality of the gilded finish when it arrived. I loved the shape and Jeni advised that she could re-finish the console to my taste and even match it to the lamps I had purchased. Jeni kept in touch as work progressed and sent photos so I could check we were on track. I felt confident that Jeni understood my requirements, had good taste and I could trust her with the job. I'm absolutely delighted with the finished table. The gilding is bright, has depth and is distressed just enough to define the lines of the item. As a piece for the bedroom, I see and enjoy the table morning and night and it was well worth the extra expense of employing such a talented specialist. I feel very lucky to have been a customer and consider the work a piece of art. I can't recommend Jeni enough and would not hesitate to ask for her help again.”

- Amanda Rankin, Dunfermline

Gilding

Gilding is a very important part of my business here in the East Neuk of Fife. I have been handling gold leaf for 10 years and have experience with both water and oil gilding. Recent projects have included; sand gilding a replica frame for Fife Historic Buildings Trust, Restoring and Gilding decorative pendulums for an antique Cupar Clock, restoring and re- gilding 18th Century frame surfaces. all projects will be considered and assessed. Consultation free of charge.

*One of three finials gilded in 24ct for the top of a trational Cupar Clock (Grandfather clock)*

*Door handles gilded in 24ct gold for a client in Dunfermline*

*An example of an original restored 18th Century frame which has been completely restored and regilt.*

*Cast Iron Table regilded for a client in 24ct gold*

image; Georgian frame, fully restored and partially re - gilded

*Early 20thC frame. Ornamentations replaced/ restored. Fully regilded, regessoed and bole- black over red*

*A contemporary piece of watergilt 22ct gold on a swept frame*

Why

When I first started framing, I had a job in a small workshop localy. I loved the process and the satisfaction of making and finishing works- However I found the frame options so uninspiring. I loved the job but did not like the finishes. The ready made finishes as I call them. And those are fine. But I was beguiled by gold. Gilding is a precise practice which hasn’t changed for years. Many of the same materials and tools are used as they were hundreds of years ago, making the whole process even more enchanting. The responsibility of time; past present and future, remains with me while I gild my surfaces. I can only hope to do justice to all of my works

Materials

In all of my work I use 24ct gold unless otherwise requested or discussed beforehand. The under layers are varied and are entirely up to the client's discretion or historical accuracy; however as a standard I will usually use a yellow or red bole undercoat with the gold leaf applied with water or oil on top. All my materials are sourced from trusted suppliers who have been dealing with gilding materials for many years.

For more information on gilding or my previous projects please refer to my blog page or get in touch.

I am able to work to budgets set to me, however bear in mind that prices will vary depending on the size and coverage of the object. And gold is not cheap. Therefore a brief consultation as to how we can bring about the best in your work is advised.

*A modern box frame made based on Venetian colours, purposefully distressed to give the sense of passing time like a fading Venetian wall.*

*18thC Map hand finished using 24ct loose leaf gold, oil gilding over selhamin red bole, natural pigment to match the tonality of the map colouring*

*Another image of part of the series of handles gilded in 24ct as part of home decor for a client in Dunfermline*

Restoration

Another aspect of the gilding work carried out, is the restoration of historic and contemporary frames.

This sees the reconstruction of missing parts of the frame from composite and gesso; the surface being re- gilded and finally sympathetically blended to match the original finish.