Giltwood Mirror

Overview

One of the most challenging projects ever attempted on The New Yankee Workshop comes when Norm tries his hand at reproducing a Federal-style Giltwood Mirror. It isn't the woodworking that is particularly difficult. Norm makes that part seem easy. It's trying to gild the mirror with gold leaf and make the frame appear as solid gold that takes time, patience, and lots of skill. Norm picks up the history of Giltwood and sees some remarkable examples when antiques expert Gary Sullivan discusses his collection. Then, Norm visits Linda Abrams a gilder and reverse painter for an understanding of what it takes to turn wood into gold.