Gold tooling

Gold tooling on leather desktops and writing slops is a highly specialised craft that is challenging to master. A few years ago, I decided it was time to learn this skill myself. Previously, gold tooling on leather-topped writing desks and writing slops was the only aspect of antique furniture restoration and conservation that I outsourced. Now, I offer this service in-house, allowing me maximum control over the quality of the work.

The photo above is a sample panel displaying some of the various patterns I provide. I utilize pure gold, ranging from 22 to 23 carats, following traditional methods that have been used for centuries. The patterns are crisply defined and deeply embossed, resulting in a surface that is both tactile and visually stunning.

Above is a photo of a large Georgian partners desk. The old leather is in completely worn out. Often an old leather inset can be cleaned and restored, however the damage to this one is extensive and unsightly. The client has requested replacement leather with a gold tooled edge.

Once the existing damaged leather was removed, the top can be properly assessed. The substrate of the top is Baltic pine with a Mahogany edge. There were a number of structural problems which needed to be addressed before the leather could be applied. There was also loose missing veneer along the edge that needed to be repaired.

Patches and infill on the face and back were inset to both structural consolidate and stabilise the top, as well as provide a nice smooth and clean surface for the leather.

An example of a finished top. There are an endless combination of patterns and styles that can be applied. The above photo shows the top divided up into three sections. In this example black leather is used, however many different colours are available.

Above a couple of different colour and styles. There is a vast amount of leather out there used in many industries for many different things. Although leather is a natural material it is heavily processed to suit different applications. I have managed to source an Italian leather which is vegetable tanned (the traditional method of tanning), minimally processed and unsealed.

Above a traditional writing slope, the leather replaced and the gold tooling redone.

A Brazilian rosewood writing slope.