Water Gilding

Water gilding is a traditional method of applying gold leaf to a surface. It involves using a gesso, or mixture of glue and white chalk, to create a smooth and absorbent surface on the item to be gilded. A size, or adhesive, is then applied to the surface and allowed to dry. Gold leaf is then applied to the size and burnished with a tool to create a smooth and glossy finish. Water gilding is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, but it can produce beautiful and long-lasting results.

Water gilding is popular on the finest furnishings throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. notably during the reign of Queen Anne, George I, George II, George III,  George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria.