The art of enameling: How to shape precious metal and decorate it with cloisonné, champlevé, plique-à-jour, mercury gilding and other fine techniques
Published by Galahad Books, 1975, hardcover, illustrated, A4 format, 128 pages, index, condition: very good.
This authoritative, beautifully illustrated book is a boon to professional artist and amateur craftsman alike. If you are a professional, you can still learn much from the dozens of advanced techniques the author has perfected in the many years she has practiced and taught her craft. If you are an amateur, this may be your first introduction to methods of designing, metalworking, and enameling that will enable you to produce true works of art far beyond the little bowls and ash trays that usually clutter home workshops. And if you are a raw beginner, this book will teach you the basics of a fascinating and ancient craft. What workspace and equipment do you need for metalworking and enameling? You may already know-or think you do. Pages 10-15 will tell you. How do different metals affect the process of enameling? On page 16 begins the first of many clear, detailed discussions of methods suited to copper, to different kinds of gold, to different kinds of silver; the craftsman is not restricted to large enamels on copper or to small, jewel-like enamels on precious metal, for both are covered. What type of cloisonne wire should you use on gold? on silver? on copper? See page 52. Can you make your own wire? Page 32. Can you enrich the flat, shiny appearance of opaque enamels? Very easily-see page 55. Where can you get grisaille white, what thinners should you use with it, what enamels are best for backgrounds? Pages 71-74 are a full discussion of grisaille. What are the various methods you can use to prepare metals for champleve enameling? The whole subject is covered on pages 65-67. How can you repair flaws that develop during firings of an intricate plique-a-jour piece? See page 70, and also the general discussion of repair techniques in the appendix, page 122. And there is much more-how to make uniform gold balls for grain enameling (page 77), what safety precautions to take when gilding with mercury (page 78)-and over 30 pages of specific works and projects that show in the clearest way how design, enamel, wood, pewter, copper, precious metals, and your skill combine to produce finished objects. Finally, a hand Appendix lists suppliers and methods of transferring designs, counterenameling, using acids, repairing flaws, and fitting pin stems and findings. Truly a splendid and comprehensive book.
