Stage 2 - Conservation and restoration of the frame

The painting's original frame was also in very poor condition. It was water damaged, split at the corners and had lost much of the decorative moulding. There was also evidence of previous restoration that was no longer suitable.

13. Before treatment

The frame is taken apart, revealing many areas of loss, damage and weakness to its structure. Large areas of the original gilding and decorative mouldings are missing or have been lost completely.

14. Replacement of decorative mouldings

Casts of the existing mouldings are taken and used to rebuild missing areas. The new mouldings, like the originals, are cast from Gilders Composition and coated with layers of gesso.

15. Preparing the mouldings

Before gold leaf is applied, the gesso must be coated with bole. Bole is a pigmented natural clay that enriches the tone of the gilding when applied beneath it.

16. Applying the gold leaf

The technique of water gilding is used to apply gold leaf to the prepared areas of frame. At this stage the areas of new gilding are very bright.

This is the restoration journey of the frame so far.