My work, traditionally called Verre Eglomise (a french term meaning gilded glass) is the art of applying gold, silver, copper and aluminium leaf often combined with enamel paints onto the back of glass. The technique dates back to pre-Roman times but it's name is derived from 18th century French decorator and art dealer Jean Baptiste Glomy who was responsible for its revival. It has also been used throughout Europe since the 15th century, appearing in the form of paintings, decorative panels and clock faces.
Toughened glass with a flat polished edge and solid aluminium installation fittings are used. The glass is cleaned thoroughly two or three times on the side that is to be painted and gilded, the face of the glass is then marked out and the painting can begin. I do not blend colour as a traditional portrait artist would, instead three carefully chosen shades are painted next to each other, the metal leaf acting as the final colour.
The slides to the left show the full work followed by a close up shot taken at an angle, this allows the viewer to see the wonderfully striking effect of metal leaf catching the light.
The technique for applying the leaf is known as oil gilding, a gold size or varnish is used as a medium for adhesion. Once the size reaches a certain level of 'tack' the leaf can be carefully applied to the glass then left for 24 hours to cure before being sealed.
The finished artworks give a bold modern look that is quite stunning, perfectly lending themselves as feature pieces in larger rooms or open plan areas. Although photography gives a feel for my work there is, of course, no substitute for viewing first hand.