At Graham Harrison Framing, we take pride in the craft that goes into every bespoke frame. One of the most traditional, and technically demanding, of these crafts is water gilding. It’s a centuries-old process that transforms a simple wooden frame into something with depth, warmth, and a soft, natural brilliance.
What is Water Gilding?
Water gilding is one of the oldest and most refined techniques for applying real gold or silver leaf to wood. Unlike modern metallic finishes, it involves a layered process using natural materials and a great deal of patience.
Here’s how it works:
- Preparing the base: Several coats of gesso (a mix of chalk and glue) are applied and sanded to create a smooth, flawless surface.
- Adding the bole: A thin layer of coloured clay (usually red or yellow) is brushed on. This gives the gold leaf its tone and helps it adhere.
- Laying the gold leaf: Using fine brushes and years of experience, the gilder lays down sheets of genuine gold leaf while the bole is slightly damp.
- Burnishing and finishing: Once dry, the gold can be gently polished with an agate stone for a bright shine, or left matte for a softer, aged look.
The process is slow, meticulous, and absolutely worth it. The result has a glow and depth that can’t be achieved any other way.
A Skill That Takes Years to Master
Watching a skilled gilder at work is mesmerising. Every movement is deliberate – the timing, the moisture, the angle of the brush. Gold leaf is so fine that it can move with a breath of air, so precision and patience are essential.
In our workshop, I’m constantly reminded how much dedication goes into this kind of craftsmanship. The people who do it make it look effortless, but it’s the result of years of practice and a deep understanding of materials that behave differently every day depending on the temperature and humidity.
Why We Still Do It
Water gilding isn’t the quickest or easiest way to finish a frame, but that’s exactly why it matters. When it’s done properly, the result enhances the artwork rather than competing with it. The surface reflects light softly, highlighting textures and tones in a way that feels natural and timeless.
It’s a technique that connects us to a long tradition of craftsmanship – one that values process, skill, and authenticity over shortcuts.
Working with Skilled Hands
I feel genuinely lucky to work alongside people who know this craft so deeply. Every gilded frame that leaves our workshop is a small piece of history; made using the same methods that framers and restorers have relied on for hundreds of years.
If you’d like to see the process for yourself or are considering a water-gilded frame for your artwork, drop by our West London workshop or get in touch through our contact page. We’re always happy to talk about materials, finishes and the details that make each frame unique.
