Delicate gold leaf has elevated buildings, furniture, frames and other treasured objects for millennia. This opulent finish results from gilding; a complex process that taxes the craftsman and mesmerises the beholder.
Gilding, in its simplest definition, involves applying gold leaf over the surface of an object to emulate gold. Gold leaf is gold, of course, albeit an extensively hammered and...
The relationship between humankind and our fellow species has long influenced design. Lion’s paw feet adorn furniture from a range of historical periods. These charming feet are not only decorative but also full of symbolism.
The king of beasts
The lion’s symbolic power has resonated with countless generations of royalty and aristocracy. Since the ancient world, humans have revered the li...
The 18th Century writer Savary des Brulons described marquetry as 'paintings in wood.' He refers to the process of creating a decorative image by applying thin pieces of wood over the surface of an object. This intricate process can transform a piece of furniture into a masterpiece.
The Italians were the first to use marquetry in the 13th Century, but the Dutch perfected and spread the art t...
