Verre eglomise, a centuries-old decorative arts process

Verre eglomise is the french term meaning glass gilded. This is a centuries-old decorative arts process in which the back side of glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf. In one method, the metal is adhered using a gelatin adhesive which results in a mirror-like reflective surface into which the designs are engraved. The gilding is often combined with reverse painting on glass.

Verre Eglomise Process

This process dates back to pre-roman times but the French are responsible for reviving this ancient art in the 1700s. Several years ago, a friend introduced me to the work of her friend Miriam Ellner, a decorative artist living and working in New York City in the unique field of Verre Eglomise. As far as I know, she is one of, if not the most well known artist working in this field today. Below are several examples of her work for  various interior designers, such as Sean Johnson and Celerie Kemble.

Gilded sky ceiling created by Miriam Ellner for a Celerie Kembel designed Kips Bay showhouse room

Learn more about verre eglomise in this video with Martha Stewart and Miriam Ellner, click here.