verre ÉglOmisé
The gilding of glass with coloured pigments to create decorative glass surfaces
verre ÉglOmisé
Our artists combine the traditional process of verre églomisé with contemporary and abstract artwork and textures to create decorative glass with reflective surfaces. By layering glass surfaces with a variety of precious metals and materials, we experiment with techniques and processes to create extraordinary finishes for luxury bespoke furniture design, including wall mirrors, wall panelling, table surfaces and decorative mirrors. Work can be fluid and organic, or prescriptive and painted to a precise composition or design.
Modern Verre Églomisé
The process of building layered artwork on to glass can take many stages. Once the desired composition, colour palette and finish have been established, work commences on the reverse side of the prepared glass panel. Here the artist's natural methodology is reversed, with highlights applied first and the background applied last. Using verre églomisé technique, our artists apply metal leaf in differing quantities as desired; full sheets of leaf can be used, bold and dynamic gilding, or tiny amounts to provide highlights to the painted layers that are to follow.
The historical technique of verre églomisé was first developed in 1700's, and is the ancient process of applying metal leaf onto glass to create a mirror finish. The gold leaf is applied by using a thin layer of water-based size, which is hand-mixed using the correct ratio of gelatine to water for the weight of leaf. As the size dries, the leaf is drawn down onto the glass resulting in a mirror-like, reflective finish. Following the drying process, once burnished, the leaf can be further etched or engraved to produce decorative panels which can have a classical look with an intricate design, or a more modern geometric design.
Gold Leaf
Today there is a huge variety of reflective metal leaf, from precious platinum and 24ct genuine gold leaf (available in an extensive range of shades from white, true gold, to pink-toned champagne gold). Real silver leaf, and copper leaf are further options together with base metal leaf, known as schlag, imitation gold or Dutch metal. Variegated metal leaf is Dutch metal treated to produce a variety of colour and pattern. Variegated, copper and Dutch metal leaf will tarnish over time, adding to the desired effect of aged textured mirrored surface.
Painting On Glass
Following the gilding process, our contemporary approach can involve the application of reverse painting light-fast pigments which are applied to the underside of the piece of glass. We use Japan paints and powders, and the further use of metal leaf for subtle lowlights gives added depth. Most of our artwork is free-hand, mixing the colours and blending materials directly on the glass. We also use traditional printing techniques and decoupage if the project dictates.
Decorative Designs
Commissioning a fully bespoke piece of work is an exciting and collaborative experience which begins with a consultation to understand your vision for the piece. Concepts, colour schemes and technical aspects for the final piece are outlined, taking your inspiration to form the basis on how the final piece will look. We will develop a colour palette using your actual design, and sketch any artwork ideas to form the basis of the work required. Our artists are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to create exciting, ornate designs with decorative elements. Each finished composition is a unique piece of art.
See the gallery below for examples of previous work for inspiration:
Please get in touch with us to discuss your project requirements and to learn more about this process.