Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711–1786) was a French art dealer, framer, and decorator in Paris. He revived and popularized reverse glass gilding across 18th-century Europe. Today, we call this decorative art verre églomisé in his honor.
How Jean-Baptiste Glomy Revived Reverse Glass Gilding
Artisans applied gold leaf to glass since ancient times. However, Glomy brought the craft to French fine art. He designed glass mats with gold borders, black paint, and fine lines. In addition, these mats framed art prints and drawings.
Glomy painted and gilded the back of each glass panel. Because of this method, the glass protected the delicate gold leaf from dust and moisture. As a result, the finished art gained a bright, mirror-like shine that lasted.
The Lasting Legacy of Jean-Baptiste Glomy
European art collectors loved the framing style of Jean-Baptiste Glomy during the reign of Louis XV. Later, in the 19th century, historians coined the word églomisé to describe decorative reverse glass gilding. This name forever linked the master craftsman to the trade.
Today, architectural sign makers and gilders still follow his core steps. Furthermore, craft organizations such as the Society of Gilders help preserve these historic practices. At our shop in Edgewater, Maryland, we continue to use traditional methods. For example, we make custom reverse glass signs, house numbers, and gilded mirrors.
Explore Our Glass Gilding Projects
To see how we apply traditional gold leaf to storefronts and house transoms, view our recent work. You can also browse our full glass gilding portfolio. These posts are a good place to start:
- Glass gilding at Cafe Normandie, still bright after 30 years
- Traditional glass gilding at McGarvey’s in Annapolis
- Gold leaf restaurant window lettering for Barcelona Wine Bar
- Matte and mirror gold leaf for restaurant windows
- Water gilding on glass: gold leaf logos for Shinola in DC
- A gilded glass sign now on display at the Museum of the Gilding Arts
- Historic house numbers: hand-gilded gold leaf transoms in DC
- Transom window house numbers in gold leaf
Contact Designs & Signs
Want reverse glass gilding for your storefront or home? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.