Miriam Webster defines Eglomise as “made of glass, the back of which is painted”.
The name is derived from the 18th-century French decorator and art-dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711–1786), who was responsible for its revival. Glomy’s technique was a relatively simple one of applying decorative designs in a combination of plain color and gilding, usually to glass picture frames. However, over time it has come to be used to describe nearly any process involving back-painted and gilded glass. The technique of back-painting glass actually dates back to pre-Roman eras.
Jeff Holt and Peter West of the HEWN Showroom, located in the Historic San Francisco Design Center, have seen a number of their design partners introduce eglomise in their design presentations and also an increase in demand for this artful material from clients directly. In addition to being beautiful, eglomise pieces can offer a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
Highlighted in the HEWN showroom are the Reverie Collection Bar from Ted Boerner and the Ruby Console from Brett Designs.