Verre Églomisé

The process of building layered artwork on to glass can take many stages. Once the desired composition, colour palette and finish have been established, work commences on the reverse side of the prepared glass panel. Here the artist’s natural methodology is reversed, with highlights applied first and the background applied last. Using verre églomisé technique, our artists apply metal leaf in differing quantities as desired — full sheets of leaf for bold and dynamic gilding, or tiny amounts to provide highlights to the painted layers that are to follow.

The historical technique of verre églomisé was first developed in the 1700s, and is the ancient process of applying metal leaf onto glass to create a mirror finish. The gold leaf is applied using a thin layer of water-based size, hand-mixed to the correct ratio of gelatine to water for the weight of leaf. As the size dries, the leaf is drawn down onto the glass, resulting in a mirror-like, reflective finish. Following the drying process, once burnished, the leaf can be further etched or engraved to produce decorative panels — classical, with an intricate design, or contemporary and geometric.

Today there is a huge variety of reflective metal leaf, from precious platinum and 24ct genuine gold leaf (available in an extensive range of shades from white, true gold, to pink-toned champagne gold). Real silver leaf and copper leaf are further options, together with base metal leaf, known as schlag, imitation gold or Dutch metal. Variegated metal leaf is Dutch metal treated to produce a variety of colour and pattern. Variegated, copper and Dutch metal leaf will tarnish over time, adding to the desired effect of aged, textured mirrored surface.

Following the gilding process, our contemporary approach can involve the application of reverse-painted light-fast pigments to the underside of the glass panel. We use Japan paints and powders, and the further use of metal leaf for subtle lowlights gives added depth. Most of our artwork is free-hand, mixing colours and blending materials directly on the glass. We also use traditional printing techniques and decoupage if the project dictates.

Commissioning a fully bespoke piece is an exciting and collaborative process which begins with a consultation to understand the vision for the work. Concepts, colour schemes and technical aspects are outlined — we develop a colour palette using the actual design and sketch artwork ideas to form the basis of the commission. Our artists are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to create exciting, ornate designs with decorative elements. Each finished composition is a unique piece of art.

For a fuller account of how the leaf is laid, etched and finished — the reverse build sequence, sampling process and panel-level commissioning — see our verre églomisé craftsmanship page, which covers the full bespoke commissioning process for panels, furniture insets and architectural wall work.

The gallery below collects a selection of recent verre églomisé work for inspiration.

Hand-painted glass with gold leaf, silver, platinum and base-metal leaf in a variety of compositions — classical, abstract, fluid. Select a thumbnail to see it at full size.

Please get in touch with us to discuss your project requirements and to learn more about this process.

Please get in touch with us to discuss your project requirements and to learn more about this process.