The Studio Practice
The use of traditional, thus perishable materials allows the quality control necessary to manage the restorative project.
No industry pre-packaged jar with an expiration date, no change of formulations by a factory.
Dry pigments, ochres, clays are all kept in water suspension and distempered with the appropriate glue size when necessary.
The Pigments
The basic clay colors are in suspension. They will be refined from the charges and residue present, into the dry cones mixed, to achieve the appropriate color and shade.
The Gesso
The gesso cake is the mixture of calcium and glue mixed to the appropriate consistency and strength.
The top gelatin layer is to delay the drying time and protect the gesso moisture content.
Gesso composition and their structural quality vary depending on the country and period of origin of the objects and the object’s function.
Gilding Tools
Sable tips for gold leaf
Mix squirrel for silver leaf
Top position is marked
Not merely embellishment or specialized craft, the original gilding scheme and manner is integral to the object’s authenticity and level of craftsmanship.
Our Work
Four Armchair a la Reine.
Signed N. Hertaut.
Designed in 1755 by Constant D’Ivril.
Sold at auction in Paris, June 6, 1975 – Lot #99 – to the Louvre Museum inv.oa 10594
Detail of the back, strong ornate deeply cut double molding shoulder