Gilding, the meticulous application of gold leaf, is an age-old craft symbolising luxury, reverence, and artistry. At The English Gilding Company, this tradition is more than a skill—it’s a passion and a mission. Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of gilded features in historic buildings, churches, and landmarks, the company has earned a reputation for excellence in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Our work breathes life into historic spaces, ensuring that their gilded beauty continues to inspire for generations. Whether restoring a church altar, an ornate ceiling, or a monumental inscription, we approach every project with the same dedication to craftsmanship and historical integrity.
Gilding: A Timeless Craft
For centuries, gilding has been central to ecclesiastical and architectural design, adding brilliance to sacred spaces, monuments, and decorative elements. Gold’s association with divinity, wealth, and beauty makes it an ideal medium for expressing reverence and grandeur.
At The English Gilding Company, we see gilding as more than an art form; it’s a way to connect with history and preserve it for the future. Our approach balances traditional techniques with modern conservation practices, ensuring that each project honours its past while standing resilient against the challenges of time.
Restoring Sacred Spaces
Churches often feature some of the most exquisite examples of gilding, from shimmering altar decorations to intricate rood screens and towering crosses. These elements not only enhance the spiritual atmosphere but also reflect the craftsmanship and devotion of their creators. However, time, environmental exposure, and human activity inevitably take their toll.
Restoring these features requires a blend of technical expertise and profound respect for the sacred nature of the space. At The English Gilding Company, we begin each project with an in-depth assessment, carefully documenting the condition of the gilding and planning a restoration strategy that stays true to the original design.
Using techniques like water gilding and oil gilding, we meticulously apply gold leaf by hand, ensuring a flawless finish that honours the original artistry. From delicate carvings to grand architectural details, our restorations aim to revive the splendour of these sacred spaces while ensuring their longevity.
Heritage Conservation Beyond Churches
While churches are central to our work, our expertise extends far beyond ecclesiastical settings. Coates of Arms, historic public buildings, and monuments also feature gilded elements that require specialised care. These projects often involve decorative ceilings, balustrades, inscriptions, and other intricate details that define the character of the space.
Each restoration project is an opportunity to delve into the techniques and materials of the past. Our team work closely with conservators and historians to ensure that every detail aligns with the original craftsmanship. This commitment to authenticity, combined with modern conservation tools, allows us to preserve these treasures for future generations while respecting their historical significance.
Challenges in Gilding Restoration
Restoring gilded features in historic spaces presents unique challenges. Every project is a delicate balance of artistry, science, and collaboration ensures true authenticity
• Material Matching: Sourcing gold leaf and adhesives that match the original materials while meeting modern durability standards.
• Environmental Factors: Churches and heritage sites often face conditions like humidity, pollution, and temperature fluctuations that affect gilded elements. Our techniques are tailored to withstand these challenges, ensuring a lasting finish.
• Collaborative Efforts: Restoration involves multiple stakeholders, including architects, conservators, and community members. Our team values these collaborations, as they help ensure the final result aligns with both historical accuracy and contemporary expectations.
Despite these complexities, the rewards of restoration are immense. There’s nothing quite like seeing a gilded feature restored to its original glory, radiating light and elegance as it once did.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The English Gilding Company’s success lies in its ability to honour tradition while embracing innovation. Our team of gilders are masters of time-honoured techniques like water gilding, which involves layering gold leaf over a prepared surface using a water-based adhesive. This method creates a burnished finish with unmatched brilliance, ideal for intricate decorative work.
At the same time, we stay informed about advancements in conservation science, from protective coatings to cutting-edge restoration tools. This combination allows us to ensure that our gilded features are not only authentic but also more durable and resilient to the effects of time and environment.
This balance of old and new defines our approach. It enables us to handle projects of all scales and complexities, from small ornamental details to large architectural features.
A Personal Touch
What sets The English Gilding Company apart is the personal connection we bring to every project. Gilding is more than a job for us; it’s a passion rooted in a deep respect for history and craftsmanship. Each project is a journey into the past, uncovering the stories and techniques of the artisans who came before us.
Bringing communities together
We are dedicated to preserving the beauty of gilded art while inspiring future generations. The demand for heritage conservation continues to grow, and we are proud to play a role in ensuring these treasures endure. The English Gilding Company represents the perfect blend of artistry, tradition, and innovation. By preserving gilded features in churches, historic buildings, and monuments, we help ensure that the stories they tell remain a part of our collective heritage.
For us, gilding is more than a craft—it’s a legacy. Through our dedication and expertise, we bring history to life, one gold leaf at a time.
If you would like to chat through an upcoming project or simply a small piece for restoration, please do get in touch. We have gilded everything from large crosses to tiny keepsakes, railings to snooker balls. No job is too small. We are happy to offer an on-site visit to discuss your requirements.
www.englishgilding.com