Gilding is the art of spreading gold, either by mechanical or by chemical means, over the surface of an object for the purpose of decoration. The art of gilding was known to the ancient Egyptians and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Owing to the comparative thickness of the gold leaf used in ancient gilding, the traces of it that remain are remarkably brilliant and solid.
Gilding has, in all eras of time, occupied an important place in the ornamental arts of Oriental countries; and the process used in India today is typical of the art as practised from the earliest periods.
The golden era in modern gilding was in early 18th century France, when Louis XIV, the Sun King had his buildings and furniture embellished with gold leaf.
Largely employed in connection with cabinet-work, decorative painting and house ornamentation, gilded architectural embellishment spread all over Europe. and came to Malta from Sicily.
Used on wooden furniture such as tables, chairs, frames… gilding is used here in Malta mostly to embellish the famous clocks. The Maltese clock’s real origin is difficult to trace. However, tradition has it that they adorned houses of the Maltese nobility as far back as the 17th century.
The manufacture of these clocks was as much a laborious task in those days as it is today and the same mixes and materials used then are still used today to make them. Malta has a tradition of making some remarkable clocks, in designs unique to the islands. The industry today is small, but has a fascinating history. These clocks are nicknamed “Arlogg tal lira” clocks, or clocks that cost one Maltese pound. Today, you would need to add a couple of digits to that price. The clocks are laboriously made in intricate stages. Their casings are made of white deal wood, which is suited to the layers of gypsum built up to provide a smooth base for the paint and the gold leaf decoration. The methods of gilding done today are rooted in ancient Egypt, later refined during the Renaissance. There are two methods of gilding wood, the traditional water gilding and the oil gilding; the terms refer to the manner in which the golden leaf is applied.
Water gilding, the most highly regarded form of gold leaf gilding for frames and furniture, is a time consuming process as it takes 18 days to do. On a prepared surface, the gilder applies a substance called gesso, made of glue and water, over the entire object. Clay bole is then applied, after which the gilder applies the gold leaf. After drying it, the gilder has to burnish the gold leaf with a very smooth stone until the leaf becomes almost dark from its own brilliance. Water gilding is very expensive and requires more professional skills. Indeed, if the gilder doesn’t apply the right mixture, the water can move and the gold leaf will not adhere to the surface.
Oil gilding dates from 1790. For this technique the gilder applies three coatings of laque over a prepared ground and the glue made of lead with colours to look similar to gold. Once this dries, 12 hours later, gold leaf is laid on the surface and very gently compressed. Rubbed with cotton, the frame is ready for a clear coat of shellac and toned to the customer's specifications. This technique is much more fragile and delicate but faster as it “only” takes three days to make...
There are only four professional gilders in Malta who are carrying on the tradition of gilding. Many people who only do restoration call themselves gilders, but they don’t have the traditional know-how of gilding. A good gilder has to be multi skilled and not everybody can claim to be gilder!
A gilder has to be a sculptor, a carpenter and a painter rolled into one besides knowing all the subtleties of this art.
Pierre Darmanin is a genuine gilder who still uses the same primitive tools the Egyptians used 5,000 years ago. A professional gilder for the past 26 years, he was born into a family who are one of the oldest gilders in Malta. Having inherited the trade of his family after being taught by his father, he explains, “To do this work you have to be passionate, I was born with it, and it is still a pleasure to be a gilder even after such a long time! You have to be passionate, because it takes a lot of time. I don’t count my hours and I don’t do it for the money!”
A Maltese clock costs around Lm700. Even though it is expensive, people
from all walks of life buy
it according to Pierre Darmanin. “We meet very rich people as well as the not so wealthy people. I think it is because of our culture. We Maltese people love our home, and I guess it is not a problem to spend a lot of money to decorate it.”
Each clock gilded by Pierre Darmanin is unique, as the design and the shape are original. “That is why it is also expensive! Each clock requires the work of a designer, carpenter, painter and gilder and don’t forget that we are working with gold.”
If you plan to order a Maltese clock, you will have to wait for two-and-a- half years. The order book of Pierre Darmanin is full until 2008.
Pierre Darmanin doesn’t only do clocks, as gilders also embellish churches. Last Easter he worked with three different churches to light up the processions.
Traditional gilders are very proud to practise such a hereditary art and Pierre Darmanin really hopes that his daughter will run the family business after him to perpetuate this magic.