Italian Gilt Carved Chairs, painted and gilded

When I first saw these chairs in the studio in London they were very chipped and had virtually no gilding left. They had been painted in varnish which i had to remove by hand. They looked like rough artisan chairs. They really challenged me to have a really steady hand when i created the edges between the gold and paint. They were finished in a Farrah and Ball's  eggshell  and gilded in 23.75 carat Gold Leaf.

They finally emerged as a pair of ornately carved small thrones. The carvings were almost regal as you can see the top of the chair which looks like it's sporting a small crown! When finished they looked fit for a King and Queen!

Gilded Antique Louis 1VX Style Suite given new life

Six dining Chairs

Two Armchairs

4 Seat sofa with 7 Seat sofa behind

This fabulous suite of French, Louis 1VX Style Furniture, circa 1890 was in a sorry state when I was asked to restore it. The client wanted a creamy white gesso base contrasted with the gold leaf. I matched the original rich water gilding with 23.75 carat gold.  The client chose upholstery in rich burgundy velvet and this opulent suite is now in Russia in a Moscow salon where it now resides.