I am a gilder, restoration and decorative finishing specialist.
Producing fine quality work, my clients include private customers, antique dealers, art dealers, painting restorers and auction houses.
Gold and silver leaf gilding, restoration and decorative finishing
After qualifying for a degree in Interior Design and Technology followed by a City and Guilds in Gilding in 2001, I created JJ Gilding Specialists.
Restoration of Antique/Period Picture/Mirror Frames and Gilt Wood Furniture
Authentic traditional gilt finishes
Gold and silver leaf work specialists
Surface and comprehensive structural repairs
Reconstruction of damage to frames, mouldings and gilt work
Any pieces reviewed and considered,
Visits can be arranged
Competitive quotes given
Site work undertaken
Jane Haigh Smith B.A.
Based in Buxton, Derbyshire I am a gilder/restorer/decorative finishing specialist.
After qualifying for a degree in Interior Design and Technology followed by a City and Guilds in Gilding in 2001, I created JJ Gilding Specialists.
Producing fine quality work, my clients include private customers, antique dealers, art dealers, painting restorers and auction houses.
Along with gilding and restoration I also paint and restyle more contemporary pieces of furniture and mirrors. I buy revive and sell my own or take on commissions from customers who feel a new lease of life is required for their own items.
“Since a young age I have been excited by and interested in the Arts and have been creative all my life. I have always admired good Craftsmanship in all its forms – my Grandad was a cabinet maker/joiner who made my first dolls house!
I find enjoyment in good second hand furniture and antiques. I appreciate being able to see the previous lives they have led in the character, built over the years by wear and patination – I often picture who might have used them and feel a sense of our ancestral history.
By restoration and preservation we honour craftspeople from the past, which in turn keeps the traditional methods of the craft alive, enabling us to continue our appreciation for them in the world today.
I feel great satisfaction when working on a piece which my client holds dearly, using traditional methods of restoration. I find it a wholesome practice.”
Gilt Over Mantle Mirror Restoration
The floral crown was detached from the mirror frame. After extensive rebuilding of the ornamental crown, it was reattached.
The decoration either side of the base of the mirror had disintegrated and was also rebuilt.
Wall Mirror
The frame had been badly fractured and warped out of shape.
The red colouration indicates the sections which were restored before applying the gold leaf gilt finish.
Wall Sconces
As found, these sconces need extensive repair.
After apply clay bole, water gilding with loose gold leaf.
The finished products:
