Gold Leaf Restoration

I had a very unique glass-top table purchased by my parents in the 1920's. The top was decorated with an antique mirror bordered with an extremely ornate pattern of gold leaf. The top was accidentally cracked. I was devastated since this had been my family's most prized possession. I took it to several glass shops who all told me it could not be repaired. My daughter found Nancy Thorn's Gold Leaf Restoration shop on line. I contacted Nancy and sent photos of the table. Although she had never worked on such a project before, she was extremely knowledgeable and felt sure she could create a new top. She referred me to Juno Lachman's Architectural Glass. Juno (who had never worked on anything like this either) carved the pattern. They then took the new top to an antique mirror shop for silvering. And, finally, Nancy faithfully copied the gold leaf pattern from the old top. I defy anyone to tell this reproduction from the original. It is a masterful job by everyone who worked on the project. Nancy was the guide and mastermind. She had the courage to proceed with a job unlike any she had done before. I cannot recommend her highly enough, both as an outstanding person and a marvelous artisan. I will be forever grateful to her and to the others involved in this restoration project. Pros: Outstanding expertise; reasonable price; extremely helpful Cons: No drawbacks more

My clients thank you and I thank you for fabulous restoration to antique gilded frames.\r As an Architectural Interior Designer the key to a successful project is ones sources … you have made my list of the top ten of old-world technique craftspeople!\r \r In addition, I so enjoyed my two-day hands-on class…. my frames hang prominently in my studio with a newfound respect for the detail needed to restore & create magnificent pieces of art.\r Pros: Knowledge - Eye to Detail more

I am a painting conservator who has worked in Portland since 1993. In my experience, Nancy is one of the best gilders in the nation. She restores frames for my clients and she makes period reproductions for diverse antique paintings which are missing frames with amazing results. She has a true mastery of her craft. I highly recommend her and her personable staff. They are the best in the city.\r \r Elzbieta Osiak\r Painting Conservation Studio Pros: Sophisticated craftsmanship, very approachable more

Gold Leaf Restoration is a world class studio. These people aren't merely frame restorers; they're artists, the kind you think of when you hear the words Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical. They can take the most abused, damaged, or recklessly restored frames and bring them back to life. Their artistry is commensurate with the art within the frames. I've spent 30+ years in the museum and art-collection business and I'd trust Gold Leaf Restoration with the most valuable of pieces. Plus, the staff is great to work with. They're the best. No wonder they're in demand far beyond Portland.\r \r Director of Pamplin Collection\r Adjunct Professor, Urban Studies and Planning, PSU\r Principal, Oregon History Works\r President, Museum of the City\r Director Emeritus, Oregon Historical Society\r \r \r Pros: fun studio to visit more

I have just picked up my hundred year plus picture frame from Gold Leaf Restoration. It is amazing the restoration they did on this frame. Their expertise shows in the finished product. I would recommend Gold Leaf to anyone who is looking for quality work at its finest. Both Nancy Thorn and Janet Joe are very knowledgable people who explained the process to me completely. They also educated me as to the history of this particular frame. With their knowledge and quality work I will without a doubt be returning to them to work on other projects for me. I highly recommend Gold Leaf Restoration! Pros: everything was excellent more

Gold Leaf Restoration is amazing! I have what was once a beautiful large pier mirror I inherited from my family, but with age, and several moves was badly broken and damaged. I had no idea where to go when a friend referred me to Nancy Thorn. She explained to me in detail how the piece was originally constructed and finished. I was impressed by the depth of her knowledge and interest in the historical integrity. I also learned there had been several past poor repairs on the piece. She restored the piece to its original glory using all the original techniques and it looks incredible. It now hangs in my hall to be enjoyed by everyone and passed down through my family for another hundred years. Gold Leaf' Restorations work is impeccable. All the service was coureous and friendly. The shop is worth the trip alone to view all the amazing pieces they have. I learn a lot. I will be bringing a lot more work to them becauce they also do custom, new, made to look old or however you want frames. I will be bringing in some art I have and old family photos. They are worth the trip and price. Thank you Gold Leaf!!! more