Verre Églomisé 1

Verre églomisé, from the French term meaning glass gilded, is a process where the backside of the glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf using a gelatin adhesive. The result is a mirror-like, reflective finish in which designs are then engraved. The technique dates back to the pre-Roman eras, but its name is derived from 18th century French decorator and art-dealer Jean-Baptise Glomy (1711-1786) who is responsible for its repopularization.

The Eglomise process requires intense planning and preparation. The work is done on the back of the glass, so that the foreground is produced first and the background last. Traditional painting is done in the opposite order, with the foreground painted last. Eglomise paintings are not affected by the elements as they sit on the reverse of the glass. In our work we use real gold leave and silver to enhance the painted artwork with effects of the reflected light.

The pictures you see here prepresent work from the last several months. Each one has taken time to produce but the unique look as caused tremendous interst and is very exciting.

Here is an example at left showing the front and back of one of our newly created custom doors. Taking the exact measurements from our clients home we produced this door using 23-carat gold leaf and silver. The frame is made from walnut, ash and beech with mahogany diamond patterned inlays. The reverse painting of flowers with the gold and silver is produced by using a French technique known as Verre églomisé, from the French term meaning glass gilded, is a process where the backside of the glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf using a gelatin adhesive. The result is a mirror-like, reflective finish in which designs are then engraved. The technique dates back to the pre-Roman eras, but its name is derived from 18th century French decorator and art-dealer Jean-Baptise Glomy (1711-1786) who is responsible for its repopularization..

The front of the door was designed and produced by Graham Morris who personally designs each project and builds the frames in his workshop.  Each design and choice of woods is carefully considered so that the full effect from the combination of art and function is realized. One the reverse side of the door we used a special reflective foil that changes color as the light direction changes during the course of the day or night. 

The photograph at left shows a flower from the front panel and the special order handle and lock.

Click images to enlarge.

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