Gold

Becky D., from Stoke-on-Trent, England, asked about gold paint.

“I am currently painting an art nouveau style lady for a centre insert into a leaded light. I’m mainly using antique browns and silver stain, possibly with some coloured enamel details for jewels. Now the customer has asked if it is possible to use gold on the headpeice. Do you know if gold paint is available anywhere? So far I can only find hobby paint, and I don’t wish to use that!”

The answer may be lusters (or lustres). You can use metallic lusters to give your glass the appearance of an object of gold, silver or copper. You can find out about Reusche’s range of lusters right here. (See page 11.)

Lusters are applied and then fired.

A different approach is to use gold leaf, which doesn’t need firing.

That’s in fact how we re-created this glass in the servants’ quarters of an English country house – with gold leaf and rabbit “size” (glue).

"Where's my blasted gin and tonic?"

(Ah, those were the days! The owners pulled cords, whatever room they were in. Down in the servants’ quarters, the appropriate square would flash. And off the servant would dash to do the bidding of his master and mistress.)

Our facsimile is protected by a piece of glass at the front of the box. This is just as well because gold leaf, even with lacquer on top, can easily be scratched. Lusters, however, are permanently fixed by firing.

Of course, another reason for the glass at the front is that this particular stately home is now occupied by a family with two four-year old sons … one of whom kicked a football at the 19th century original. (Remember Matthew 19:14, please.)