Our Gilded Object Conservation Special Interest Group (GOCSIG) works with gilded material and artefacts such as picture frames, decorative arts and furniture and icons. Gilded Object Conservation’s members embrace a wide range of specialties, including traditional water and oil gilding with gold and other metal leaf and foils, nineteenth century bronze pigments and twentieth century titanium oxide pigments used in waxes, acrylic and gouache mediums.
Our group was established in 1996 and we’re committed to researching and retaining traditional skills involved with gilded artefacts and sharing developments in research into new methods and techniques used for their restoration and conservation. Our area includes bespoke frame-making which requires a knowledge of working with timber, mould materials and paint and other furniture finishes such as dyes and resins. Gilding conservation treatments commonly include addressing poor restorations of the past, such as the removal of bronze paint over original gilded surfaces.
We currently have over 60 members working in both private practice and institutional settings. The article Frames Conservation in Australia and GOCSIG: Reflections on the Past and Thoughts for the Future by Holly McGowan-Jackson published in 2008 describes some of our history.