Everything Old is New Again

Eglomise is having a moment.

July 25, 2020

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.

Ruby Console from Brett Designs

Reverie Collection Bar from Ted Boerner

Art by Jane Richardson Mack

Admired by HEWN, are the works of local eglomise artist Jane Richardson Mack. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Richardson-Mack’s fascinating paintings bring price tags that can range from a thousand to several thousands of dollars, and can be found in luxury hotels, residential dining rooms, restaurants and some of the most elegant homes from Germany to the Caymans.

For more information regarding eglomise pieces or to schedule an appointment at the HEWN showroom, please visit HEWN.com. You can reach Jane at janerichardsonmack.com.