When Old Westbury Gardens decided to restore an ornate 19th century wrought iron balcony atop their mansion's entrance, American Burnish was hired to recreate the original parcel gilding. The balcony was taken apart and transported to our studio by iron restorer, John Graney, Inc.

Museum officials were eager to learn more about oil gilding. We invited the museum's staff members and board of trustees to our Beacon, NY studio, where we demonstrated the oil gilding process and discussed which ornaments to gild.

We worked in our studio on the balcony during January and February, picking out designs with primer paint and oil gilding them with 23.75 karat gold leaf. By March, the balcony was transported to Old Westbury and reassembled in time for opening day.