Barbola

Barbola was used to create the decorative three-dimensional floral edgings for mirrors and bowls that are still very collectable today. It was purchased as a thick paste ready-mixed in tins. Here a wooden board and bowl were painted black and screwed together. The camellias were formed from a ball of paste and glued into place beside the bowl. Petals and leaves were shaped individually and stuck to the flowers.

Gesso produced a similar, slightly raised effect but was purchased as a powder that was mixed to a thinner paste and painted onto the surface with a brush. Before the picture was fully dry, extra layers are added to raise certain parts of the design such as the sleeves and frills of the dress.

Once these articles have dried they are painted and then varnished.