Master Gilder

Gold Leaf Studio

Gilding reached its highest level technical achievement and artistic expression in Byzantium. The same gilding techniques and standards are alive today in ateliers of Europe, where Master Gilders' work on contemporary works of art as well as classical Byzantine design.

Master Gilding Techniques:
  • Water Gilding
    The most difficult process to master in which, pure gold leaf is applied by hand to a carefully prepared surface, using only natural ingredients: Marble Gesso, Rabbit Skin Glue and Bole an earthen clay. The leaf can be burnished with an agate stone to produce a beautiful reflective finish.
  • Oil Gilding 
    The ancient technique where pure gold leaf is applied to an oil based adhesive called, ‘size’, allowing the gilder to work on a wider range of surfaces for a longer period of time. It is a durable technique suitable for outdoor projects.
  • Mordant Gilding
    Including several ancient recipes which Elias has mastered over the decades of experience... including juice extracts from garlic or other natural ingredients 
  • "Chrysokontolia" Pure Gold Inlays
Visit: www.goldleafstudio.com
Services
  • Iconography Gold
    Icons requiring new gold leaf, photo-stephano (crowns-of-light ie Haloes) or entire backgrounds

  • Interior Gilding
    Interior restoration of ecclesiastic space. Sacred objects including iconography, iconostasion and other furnishings
     
  • Architectural Gilding
    Domes, statues, sculptures, walls, moldings, railings, gates, staircases, ceilings, cornices, columns etc.

  • Decorative objects
    Furniture, (antique or modern), frames and mirrors, candelabra, Ecclesiastic furnishings, Iconography

  • Gilding Restoration  
    Gilded objects or surfaces are cleaned and restored and missing or damaged ornamentation is repaired or reconstructed.
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The Gold Leaf Studio
Gilding Materials - Only the world's finest gold, palladium, silver leaf and supplies are utilized... Pure 24 Karat and Palladium Leaf.

Gilding Workshops - Professional quality, instructional kits and supplies are available, making the ancient craft of gilding accessible to both the experienced and new gilder.

VISIT: www.goldleafstudio.com
CONTACT: archonelias@gmail.com