Home

Top distinction, untouched or untarnished original antique mirrors from the 18th and 19th centuries are becoming increasingly rare. To meet the ever increasing insist for these beautiful, classical decorative pieces Tony Williams Antique Mirrors (based in Leek, Staffordshire ) began to pocket reproduction mirrors.

Many antique mirrors reproductions are made using resin, plaster, paint and a coating of what is called ‘Dutch Gold’ (a manners of cheap imitation gold leaf). Tony Williams antique mirrors use original mirror designs and only to highest blue blood material for their reproductions. Tony Williams makes his mirror frames from fine, seasoned timber or even antiquated wood and all gilding is carried out using real gold leaf.

This process of manufacture allows customers to determine the specific size and mirror design that they want. They are able to specify the detailed decoration, scrolls, cartouches etc. at long last resulting in a beautiful, top quality reproduction mirror that fits in perfectly with their home decor. These fantastic, top quality reproductions will go on to become the outmoded of the future.

What is Gilt?

The term ‘gilt’ is used throughout the world of antiques to describe the finish applied to a difference of items. For example: ‘gilt mirrors’, ‘gilt bronze wine coolers’ or ‘outmoded gilt console table’.

Generally the term is used to refer to the thin layer of gold or other material that is applied during the method of gilding. Gilding usually involves coating an object with a gold coloured metal leaf or natural gold. The term ‘gilding’ is sometimes used to simply mean ‘improving the presence of an object.’

The practice of gilding woods and metals was popular with the ancient Egyptians who would use gold plated wood to display prestigious statues and gold leaf to decorate palaces. Today the practice of gilding is still employed in enclose making, Antique Mirror reproduction and decoration.

Read more...

Bright lights, big city: Seattle lighting shops make your home shine Seattle Times

18.04.10

If you're looking to perk up up your home for spring, here are a few independently owned Seattle lighting shops that might flip your switch. (Have others to recommend? Please explain us about them in the comments below.)

Many of us know about Seattle Lighting , which has been a fixture in the Northwest since 1917, offering a huge selection of a moment ago about every kind of indoor and outdoor lighting in its six stores, a clearance outlet in Sodo and its online shopping locate . Their inventory is broad, spanning price ranges from $10 flushmount fixtures to $1,000 chandeliers. If you have no sentiment where to begin, this might be a good place to start. If you have more specific needs, the following stores might have what you're looking for.

Portland-based Rejuvenation , with a Seattle laying in Sodo, has established itself as a local favorite, offering a deluxe selection of reproduction fixtures from Colonial cool to schoolhouse chic. Its annual seconds trading is always a big hit, with homeowners arriving early to get the best deals. At Rejuvenation, you can mix and match the fixtures and the shades and select from up to 12 contrasting finishes. Fixtures typically run about $150 to $600, with some specialty fixtures, such as the "Drake" bat lavaliere , running as high as $2,195.

Source: