Peter Simons Design

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Gilding

The work we produce is often gilded, and the examples here show water and oil based gilding in 22ct gold employing the traditional methods of application.

The art of gilding is an ancient technique using the same materials and methods today as hundreds of years ago. First the structure is built and carved, then gesso, which is made from animal skin glue and whiting(ground chalk), is gradually applied, producing a hard, evenly smooth layer. Red, black, blue, or yellow clay or bole is painted on the smoothed gesso surface. 22kt gold leaf is then applied with a gilder’s tip, a thin, flat brush. The gold may then be burnished with an agate stone, or rubbed and antiqued, depending on the desired finish.