The Elegant Art of Verre Eglomise by Miriam Ellner

Dressing Room Door Panels as photographed by Eric Laignel

Paint + Pattern takes you on a virtual design tour of the world! Each month we visit a different country and share their decorative arts, creative masters and design trends. Last month we traveled through the glorious country of France and this month we set foot on our own soil, the United States. Join us as we celebrate the anniversary of our country as well as its own stamp on the world of the arts.

Verre Eglomisé is a French term which means “glass gilded” and refers to the technique of gilding on glass to create veritable works of art with mirror-like surfaces. While the art form dates back a few centuries, it is still used in modern day design on furniture, décor accents as well as walls and ceilings. The results can easily flow from traditional to starkly contemporary and one of the world’s greatest masters in the art of providing these versatile designs is New York-based Miriam Ellner.

Herringbone Pattern design for Jeffrey Bilhuber

Moorish Glass Panels for designer Sean Johnson

Chinoiserie Bathroom at the Plaza Hotel (New York)

Miriam Ellner was introduced to the art form in the 1990s while she was studying decorative painting and gilding in Brussels. She has focused her passion and her considerable talent to the study of verre eglomise and has amassed a gorgeous portfolio of notable works, including designs for Jeffrey Bilhuber, Bunny Williams and Celerie Kemble.  Many of the projects she takes on encompasses wrapping full walls in her glorious decorative glass works.

Ms. Ellner’s studio also works on other surfaces, such  as doors, furniture, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, table tops and ‘canvas’ art works as well.

Working with metal leafs, mica powders and a variety of other materials and tools, Ms. Ellner is able to create simple designs and extraordinarily complex patterns and mural works. Verre Eglomise is an art form that requires patience as pieces can take as little as a few weeks to several months to complete.

Verre Eglomise Sky Ceiling. Interior Design by Celerie Kemble.

Inset Decorative Panels at Tavern on the Green. The close-up showcases the various colored leaf metals used.

Barbados Restaurant, Cin Cin by the Sea

Ms. Ellner works on commissions installed around the world and has been a part of several high-profile projects. Many high-end hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton, have been graced with her artistry as well as iconic world-renowned restaurants such as Tavern on the Green.

The Museum of Arts & Design recently honored Miriam Ellner by including her in their NYC Makers: The Mad Biennial exhibition, which honors exemplary New York artists. We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing her glorious decorative glass works!

Are you inspired by the amazing glass and mirror work of Miriam Ellner? Please have a look at these other links!

• Glamourize Your Glass Tabletop with Verre Eglomise
• Reverse Stenciling Glass with Royal Stencil Cremes
• Stenciling on Mirrors
• How to Reverse Gild Glass with Royal Stencil Size

Photos via the Miriam Ellner website, newsletters or Facebook page.