Timeless Techniques: Treating a Gilded Mirror

The Center's Gilding Department specializes in the preservation of frames and objects with gold, silver, and metal leaf applied to the surface. A wonderful example of the type of projects our Gilding Conservators frequently undertake recently came to us in the form of a mirror in need of conservation.
The mirror's frame was composed of wood, plaster, gesso, bronze paint, and gold leaf. The frame exhibited open miters, and there were splits and breaks in the wood. The piece exhibited gesso and gilding losses, moderate abrasions, scratches, and dents throughout. The finish appeared to be original to the frame, and the frame exhibited areas of bronze powder restorations. There was a moderate layer of grime and scattered accretions on the surface, and the backing board exhibited a layer of particulates. The backing board was non-archival and acidic.
Our conservators began their treatment by stabilizing the miters. Next, splits and breaks in the wood were repaired with the appropriate conservation adhesives. The flaking gesso and gilding were then consolidated, and the frame was mechanically cleaned. Next, our conservators minimally solvent cleaned the frame. Areas of abrasions and scratches were inpainted to emulate the surrounding surface, and new losses were filled, ingilded, and inpainted.
The areas of bronze powder restorations were removed, gilded, and toned. The restorations were then patinated, and a protective layer of wax was applied to the surface. Lastly, the hanging hardware was replaced and a coroplast backing board was attached to the reverse to provide additional protection.

[@AvecPoesie]

Such painstakingly dedicated work...the efforts exhibited here are worthy of much praise. 🖤

[@grandmasteralex]

I personally wonder what kind of patina was used, it really made the new gold blend in with the old. I really think that's an art in itself, never truly works for me. Any ideas on the type of patina?

[@janeday9148]

Great video but would be even better if you explained what your and why

[@TheConservationCenter]

Hi Jane! We explain our process in the video's caption, but you can also learn more about gilding on our website- www.theconservationcenter.com/frames-gilding

[@alberteisenmann1023]

Wow very fine work.

[@leonply]

I've always wondered, when these incredible pieces were first created and covered in metal leaf, if the original artisans painted the newly-gilt works in mud to make them look ancient. It might be nice to see a fully-restored frame presented as it would have originally appeared when new.

[@fineartlifestyling]

A Masterpiece!

[@spencer6288]

How do you protect the gilded objects? With some kind of varnish or shellak? Help

[@patty1509]

What is the name of the tool used to smooth the gold into the crevices and ornate areas?

[@malcolmbarclay9313]

burnisher?

[@jagboy69]

Incredible!

[@fritula6200]

Music was very easy to listen to.

[@wasimmalikarmaanmalik9950]

Nice

[@ronstokes5787]

To lay the gold leaf flat on the gilders Cush a light breath saying the word per. Retired sign writer.

[@philhawkins1424]

That’s not a mirror, it’s a frame😊

[@josephinehogg3629]

Love the work and I would equally loved to have a good look at the frame PRIOR to your working on it 😐 Oh! and Vivaldi would be rolling in his grave if he heard what that violinist did to his music 🤨 just saying....

[@touchmantouchman350]

👁️👁️😘