Gold Leaf in Architecture: Where Gold Leaf is used?
Gold Leaf in Architecture: Throughout history and around the world, gilding with precious metals such as gold and silver use in architecture and interior and exterior design to impressive effects.
Here we will examine what gold leaf is, how it has been used throughout history, and how the gilding process works.
Table of Contents
What is the Gold Bath?
Gilding is a decorative technique that involves applying a very fine sheet of gold or other metal sheet to a surface. The result is a glossy finish that draws the viewer’s eye to the décor and enhances the viewing experience.
While gold plating more commonly refers to gold leaf, the term also applies to other metals that turne into sheets, such as copper, aluminum, palladium, and silver. Dutch metal, for example, is a form of brass that looks like gold leaf but is much cheaper.
Gold can be found on all decorative objects: picture frames, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, etc. They always serve to increase the appreciation and importance of the viewer. The same effect applies to architectural and exterior gilding, which is often found on the gleaming domes of government buildings and sacred spaces, as well as other landmarks.
The Meaning And Symbolism Of Gold Leaf
In both an economic and a social sense, gold leaf use throughout history to symbolize wealth and high social status. Its robustness, relative rarity and of course brilliance are a sign of opulence in many different furnishing styles.
In religious art and architecture, gold leaf long associate with the divine and symbolizes the spiritual importance of decoration. Even today, gold jewelry is prominent in churches, mosques, temples and other liturgical arts.
The History Of Gold Leaf Gilding
Although gilding is important to this day, it is an age-old technique. The process believe to have originated in Turkey over 8,000 years ago and use by the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and finally the early Europeans.
In recent history, gilding was common in Classical, Palladian, and Gothic architectural styles, which adopte and “revived” here in the United States after the Civil War (mid-19th century) through the early 20th century. This period known as the Golden Age, when some wealthy families increased their wealth during the Industrial Revolution because the transcontinental railroad made it possible to move steel and other goods quickly across the country.
Greed, political corruption and the resulting income inequality enabled the rich to build opulent homes on their favorite playgrounds. And while all of these extravagant structures have weathered their share of damage, neglect, and uneducated attempts at repair and restoration over the years, the historic photos give a glimpse of what they once were.
Gold decor in the Cosmos Club Ballroom in Washington, DC.
Close to the gold decor in the Cosmos Club lounge.
Interior Ornamental
In interior ornamental features, gilding can use to highlight and bring out details. Described as “dental floss,” gilding often found on column capitals, bead and spool moldings, etc., to accentuate ornamentation and draw the viewer’s attention to the grandeur of the space.
However, this type of ornamentation is not exclusive to gold leaf. Items can gilde in different metals such as aluminum, palladium, copper, silver, or a combination of metals to meet a variety of cost and aesthetic goals. The type of metal chosen takes into account the style of the design and the intention of the space. A white metal, such as aluminum or palladium, can use in a classic feminine interior, while gold represents masculinity and strength, for example.
For outdoors, a gold dome is more recognizable. Gold Leaf in Architecture, in its purest form, is the strongest and most durable metal, as well as being non-reactive. While the blade itself is millimeters thick, using the purest form of gold leaf will ensure that it will last for decades and withstand all the elements.
The Gilding Process
Although there are different application techniques, the process generally remains the same.
First, a clean surface, such as a plaster trim, plaster or wood trim, or painted surface details, coat with “size,” a clear or tinted liquid / medium that dries to a slightly tacky finish.
The metal sheet then transfer to the surface and delicately floats against the size. The size acts like a glue, adhering the metal sheet to the surface.
The next step is to brush, or polish, all the excess sheet pieces along the edges, taking great care to recover the precious metal and leave a near-perfect appearance. Care must take to secure the bond, however, too much pressure will push the sheet down to size and cause it to lose its shine.
Installation of colorful leaves – University of Michigan Business Administration Residence
before the University of Michigan business administration at Polish
After the University of Michigan Business Administration dorm with polished brightly colored sheets
Introduction To Glamor
Throughout history, gilding use to highlight details, decoration, and handicrafts and remains an important detail in art and Gold Leaf in Architecture to this day. As a delicate, timeless material, it was and is the protagonist.
Whether it’s conservation, restoration, or choosing a type of blade for a new design, remember to consider the gold leaf architecture and understand the true intent of its use. The brilliance of this work requires the hand of skilled craftsmen to achieve the desired effect and it is important to take this fact into account when choosing a contractor for a gilding project. In preparation, make sure that you create an effective specification for the work to be done and that you are taking the time to find the right specialist contractor for the job.
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