Pair Antique French 24k Gold Leaf Gilded Wood Bergère Armchairs

These chairs represent the period of transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, and are very much in the manner of Paul Follot, whose early designs reflect the Gothic Revival influence, as shown in these chairs’ arched backs.

They have been professionally water gilded in 23.75 carat gold leaf. Layers of traditional gesso and bole (clay) have been applied and rubbed down to a very fine, smooth finish. The 23.75 carat gold leaf is then applied using the water gilding method. The surface is then burnished using agate stones.

The chairs have been gently distressed to show subtle wear and some of the overlapping lay lines of the gold leaf. The original motifs to the front of the arms and the central frieze are still distinct in certain lights, a nice nod to the history of these beautiful chairs.

The armchairs are very comfortable and have been completely reupholstered, complete with feather filled loose cushion. They are covered in a silk mix fabric by James Hare – Waterfall Silk, ‘Snowfall’. The fabric has a wonderful shimmering context, not fully visible in the photographs.