Ruth is a long-standing customer and friend of ours at Gold Leaf Supplies, she’s an incredible gilder and restorer, her knowledge, gilding skills and artistic flair are second to none!
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Ruth’s workshop in Staffordshire on multiple occasions to learn about different aspects of gilding and compo techniques.
In this blog post, we’re shining a light on Ruth and her incredible restoration and reproduction work.
Ruth’s Work
Ruth became a professional restorer and glider after completing her Fine Arts degree in 2000, and since then has used traditional methods and materials, working with private clients, antique dealers, interior designers, design agencies, auction houses, and insurance companies to complete restoration projects of all shapes and sizes.
Ruth’s workshop is fully equipped for gilding restoration, and she always uses 23.5ct or 23.7ct gold leaf, unless alternative finishes are requested, to bring antique mirrors, picture frames, furniture, interior architecture and much more back to their former glory so that they can be enjoyed for years to come.
Alongside her restoration work, Ruth also produces a wide range of bespoke reproduction antique-style mirrors, and picture frames using her own large collection of moulds. The reproduction mirrors are made with traditional methods and materials, like tulip wood, gesso coating, and compo decoration.
TV Appearances
Ruth is currently on set filming for season 6 of The Restorers on Quest, but she’s no stranger to the screen. In 2020 she was on series 3 of the show which saw her team up with Sculptor Nick to restore the base and marble top of a very expensive antique table. The episode showed the 187-hour process, and all the hard work and prep that needs to be completed before any gilding is done, and of course – the final piece which was truly incredible.
She also appeared on the show last year, using the Instacoll gold size by Kolner to gild and restore the frame of a beautiful Marie Therese chandelier.
She’ll also be featured in the upcoming season of The Salvage Hunters, so keep your eyes peeled for Ruth in some of your favourite programmes soon.
Youtube Channel
Alongside her TV show appearances, Ruth also has her own YouTube channel, where she shares her expertise and creates tutorial videos for anyone interested in learning to gild.
She’s passionate about using the channel to help crafters who are just starting out in gilding, so has taken everything she learnt and filled in the gaps from her experience to teach people in a way she wished she’d been taught!
Next year looks to be the start of some exciting new learning experiences and opportunities for Ruth’s channel, so we’d recommend subscribing so that you don’t miss out!
