Traditional gesso-gilt mirrors & frames

Architectural overmantel mirrors made to order in classical and period forms, produced using traditional gesso preparation and gilding.

Overmantel Mirrors
Our overmantels and frames are produced in our Cotswolds workshop using traditional composition ornament and gilded finishes.

Hand-made frames are produced using traditional chalk gesso, bole and gilding, individually made to proportion and reference.

Frames

A small number of finished pieces may be available from time to time.

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The workshop

Gesso & Gilt is a small English workshop dedicated to the making of traditional gesso & gilt mirrors and frames. Work is produced in limited numbers using established methods of composition ornament, careful preparation and hand-applied gilded finishes.

We are concerned with the way things are made. Ornament follows proportion, and traditional methods are used where they serve the work.

Frames and mirrors begin with a timber structure, built and prepared with layers of gesso to create a surface for ornament.

Decorative elements are formed in composition, pressed from historic hand-carved moulding blocks and refined by hand before finishing.

Gilded surfaces are built gradually and toned for depth, so that each piece sits comfortably within its setting.

Our composition ornament is formed using pattern blocks originating from the former Bristol factory of Frost & Reed.

The workshop is led by James Barrett, drawing on experience in traditional frame-making and gilding developed at his former London framing shop Posterhaus.

Work is undertaken in small numbers each year with attention to proportion, surface and finish.

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Contact

james@gessoandgilt.com

Commissions

We undertake a limited number of commissions each year.

Enquiries are welcome.