Gold Leaf Signwriting in London
Sign WritingGold leaf sign writing is a timeless and elegant technique where skilled artisans handcraft each letter and design element with thin sheets of genuine gold leaf, creating a luxurious, long-lasting finish that exudes sophistication and quality. Kensington Gilders have been carrying out this type of work across London since 1985, and it remains one of the core services that defines the company.
This collection of sign writing and glass gilding work represents several London commissions completed over the years. Each project involved reverse glass gilding — applying gold leaf to the back surface of glass panels — which is the traditional method used for shop fronts, pub windows and professional premises throughout the capital.
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The process begins with the design stage. Our sign writer draws up the lettering at full scale, considering the typeface, spacing, size and any decorative elements such as borders, flourishes or pictorial devices. The design is then transferred in reverse to the glass surface. Working in reverse is second nature to an experienced glass gilder, but it takes years to develop that fluency — every stroke, every curve, every serif must be thought of in mirror image.
We typically use 23.5 carat gold loose leaf for glass work, applied with a water-based gelatine size. The leaf is picked up with a gilder's tip — a flat brush made from squirrel hair — and laid onto the sized surface with great care. Once dry, the excess gold is brushed away and the letterforms are cut in using a fine steel point or a purpose-made outlining tool. The precision required at this stage is considerable: the edge quality of each letter determines the overall impression of the finished sign.
After cutting in, the gold letters are backed up with a layer of paint — usually black or a deep colour — which seals the leaf and provides the solid background that makes the gold readable. The contrast between gleaming gold and a dark surround is what gives glass gilded signs their unmistakable presence.
Project Gallery
