Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 16
Gold leaf & Gilding
in heritage work
Gold leaf plays a crucial role in heritage preservation,
especially in architectural and artistic restoration. It's used
to replicate and restore the original splendor of gilded elements that have deteriorated or been damaged over
time, ensuring that historical beauty is preserved. Gold
leaf's durability and chemical stability also contribute to
its longevity, making it a valuable material for long-lasting
restorations.
Durability and Longevity:
Gold leaf is highly resistant to tarnishing and deterioration, provided the substrate it's applied to remains stable.
This makes it an ideal material for long-lasting
restorations.
Artistic and Symbolic Significance:
Gold leaf has been used for centuries in religious and
architectural contexts, often representing divinity, wealth,
and beauty. Its use in heritage work helps to maintain the
symbolic and artistic values associated with the original
gilded elements, according to the English Gilding
Company.
Here's why gold leaf is important in heritage work:
Historical Preservation:
As buildings and artworks age, the original gilding can
degrade, tarnish, or be damaged. Gold leaf is used to
restore these elements, ensuring that the historical
integrity of the structure or artwork is maintained for
future generations, according to Wrights of Lymm.
Traditional Gilding Techniques:
Gold leaf application often involves traditional techniques
that have been passed down through generations of
skilled artisans. Using these traditional methods helps to
preserve the heritage of the craft itself. Gilding is the craft
of applying gold leaf, powder or paint to solid surfaces such
as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold.
Some of the oldest known gilt artefacts are silver nails
from northern Syria, the heads of which have been
wrapped in gold foil.
Replicating Original Splendor:
Gold leaf is used to mimic the original gilded finishes of
historical structures and artworks. This helps to recreate
the visual impact of the original design, which is important for maintaining the historical context and beauty of
the piece, according to Conservation & Heritage Journal.
Wrights of Lymm Ltd are honoured to announce that we have been
granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty The King as
suppliers of Gold Leaf and Gilding Products to the Royal Household.
Wrights of Lymm Ltd, a family business trading for over
185 years, specialising in premium gold leaf from 24ct to 6ct
As we look to the future, we remain committed to preserving
the legacy of quality and dedication that has defined our business
for nearly two centuries, while embracing innovation to serve
newgenerations of customers.
Wrights Of Lymm Ltd
Wright House/Crouchley La, Lymm WA13 0AS
Telephone: 01925 752226
Email: info@wrightsoflymm.co.uk - Web: www.wrightsoflymm.co.uk
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
14
