Get the look: Gilded Interiors at The Wallace Collection

Golden, glistening, and glowing under the flicker of candlelight – there is nothing quite as atmospheric or decadent as ormolu and gilt-bronze. The Wallace Collection’s exhibition Gilded Interiors shines a spotlight on the unrivalled skill of the French bronzier, reminding us of the artistry and technical mastery behind these luxurious creations.

Techniques and Production

Ormolu became an increasingly popular feature of furniture and decorative objects during the eighteenth century, particularly in France. Paris soon established itself as the centre of excellence, where the finest craftsmen worked to produce mounts and ornaments of extraordinary refinement.

The process was complex:

• A wax model was sculpted.

• A plaster or clay mould was made around the wax.

• The wax was melted away (cire perdue or “lost wax” process).

• Molten bronze was poured into the cavity.

• The finished bronze was tooled, chased, burnished, and finally gilded with finely ground gold.

France’s strict guild system controlled each stage of production. Casters could not gild, and gilders could not cast. Exceptions were rare: Jacques Caffieri, one of the most celebrated bronziers, was granted a royal privilege in 1740 to do both. His son Philippe continued this legacy, producing exceptional work and even signing pieces “P. Caffieri” – a rarity that underscored his reputation and prestige.

Ormolu remained highly sought after well into the nineteenth century, adorning furniture, clocks, and objets d’art that continue to define the elegance of French decorative style.

What to Expect from Gilded Interiors

The Wallace Collection has curated a jewel-like exhibition space, beautifully lit to show ormolu at its most radiant. Firedogs, candelabra, and clocks by masters such as Pierre Gouthière, François Rémond, and Claude Pitoin are displayed alongside neoclassical architectural drawings. Together, they reveal how eighteenth-century designers drew inspiration from antiquity to create interiors of unmatched splendour.

The space may be small, but the impact is immense – each object is allowed to speak for itself, making this exhibition an intimate yet dazzling encounter with craftsmanship at the very highest level.

Bringing the Look Home

Gold never goes out of style. Its warmth and brilliance make it a timeless accent for interiors, equally at home in a modern apartment or a Georgian townhouse. Whether you prefer subtle gilded details or statement pieces, ormolu-inspired design instantly elevates a space.

If you’re inspired by the Wallace Collection’s Gilded Interiors, why not explore creating your own? Antique furniture and decorative objects with gilt-bronze mounts are not only glamorous but also enduringly versatile.