Patinations

Victorian Gilt Frame

Gilt Picture Frame with Gesso and Bronze Paint

This gesso moulded timber frame displays typical damage in the shrinkage of timber. This results in the mitre joints opening, dislodging the applied composition mouldings. Several sections of moulding were lost.

The loose gesso was consolidated, whilst missing sections of gesso and bronze paint were re-created from taking moulds of existing sections and casting composition. These sections were carefully matched to original areas of the frame. The bronze paint was lightly cleaned of corrosion, and the loose mitre joints strengthened with the addition of dovetail cleats across the rear of the mitre joint.