Gold in Interiors

Gold attracts. Its incomparable, rich color is visually alluring and focuses the eye. It has long been used in the interior as ornamentation and decoration but historically, it was used to convey status, wealth and luxury.

In many cultures, accustomed to hours of sunshine, gold is a favourite theme in fashion, interior decoration, tableware and vessels because it is burnished by, and reflects the sun, bringing a wonderful, visual voluptuousness. However, in Western cultures, possibly because of our climate or temperament, its traditional use is quieter and more subtle. Its unique decorative role in every important interior and stately home in Britain is plain to see. It is used to create mood, richness, to accent and highlight and it comes into its own at night when candles are lit. It brings richness to heavy velvet or damask curtains by the addition of rich, golden passementerie and lavish gold thread tiebacks. Gilded ornate or plain gold picture frames illuminate the colours in a painting and draw the eye to the subject – and it is frequently employed by interior decorators for the same purpose ­ to create atmosphere and draw attention to particular aspects of a room or its furnishings.

George Renwick, a well-known London Interior Designer, says the golden rule in decorating is to “start with the door handles ­ and if they are of a golden colour – then everything else must follow the theme through ­ from light fixtures, drawer handles, picture frames and bathroom and kitchen taps and accessories.” He also adds, that if you choose gold, then you should thoroughly enjoy it and use it lavishly. He suggests that “one wall decorated completely in gold leaf would create a stunning contrast
to its surroundings”. Gold has remained a constant feature through a plurality of periods, tastes and styles, such as the fashion for ormulu and French Empire.

Gold has also seen fashions and methods change in textiles and wallpapers. Centuries ago, pure gold leaf was applied directly on to a surface paper. Early wallpapers featuring gold motifs, were painstakingly made by Perry’s of Islington, London, and took hours of labour. The template for the gold pattern was placed on the paper, and glue and gold leaf were applied by hand. The paper was subsequently hung on a type of “clothes line”. When it eventually dried, gold adhered to the pattern and the extra gold which clung to the paper, had to be knocked off, which created quite a mess on the factory floor! Many wallpapers, made by Perry¹s – particularly ‘Gothic Lily’, with its fine gold outline designed by Pugin (1812-52), still decorate interior chambers of the Houses of Parliament.

Textile designer Cressida Bell has strong roots in design and is constantly experimenting with pattern. Cressida uses gold because it adds glamour. “I love it because it twinkles. I can only use a little in fabrics because it is a metallic thread and can become heavy ­ but it gives just enough sparkle. I also like gold on lampshades because they then look just as good on as off”. Paloma Picasso has also used patterns of gold mosaic in her bathroom as an extremely effective way to contrast with sea green.

Gold decoration on china and porcelain is one of the most traditional uses of gold in the interior but it is still extremely fashionable and a best seller in many London stores. According to the Josiah Wedgwood museum, the British were using gold on their china as early as 1765. Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, ordered a tea and coffee service “with a gold background and flowers raised in green”.

However, in the mid 1750s, gilding was an unstable process. Honey was used to stick gold leaf to china. It was therefore very vulnerable as the pattern could easily slip. No potter was prepared to take on the commission in case they incurred royal displeasure. However, Wedgwood wanted Royal patronage and made the service. The Queen was so delighted that Wedgwood were able to call the set “Queensware”. This set is on display at the Wedgwood Museum and faint traces of gilding can still be detected. Wedgwood still make a dinner service which is called “Black Astbury”, of raised gold with a black border. A single 10 inch dinner plate costs approximately £600 and consists of 1200 individually applied strokes. Another established English company, Thomas Goode, which has three Royal warrants ­ to the Queen, Queen Mother and HRH Prince of Wales ­ still find their china with gold decoration (22 carat) is very popular. They also display innovative ideas for contemporary settings using large gold underplates or chargers to dress up a table, combined with glasses with a gold rim or gold decoration on the stem and napkins with subtle golden embroidery which all makes for a lavish and opulent presentation.