Business Details
15 Years
experience
Specialist Finishing Studio for Bespoke Surfaces
Established in 2011, our studio specialises in crafting bespoke surfaces that merge technical precision with artistic vision. With over two decades of collective experience, we collaborate closely with designers, architects, and private clients to create finishes defined by texture, restraint, and material depth. Our work spans furniture, interiors, yachts, and commissioned artworks, each project executed with an unwavering commitment to quality and originality. We prioritise hands-on craftsmanship, using traditional materials like gesso, liquid metals, and gilding to produce surfaces that elevate and anchor spaces. Every finish is developed under direct creative oversight, ensuring clarity of authorship and adherence to exacting standards.Our small team structure allows full control from concept to completion, guaranteeing that every piece reflects our core values of innovation and technical mastery. We approach each commission as a unique challenge, balancing creative exploration with practical execution to deliver surfaces that are both visually striking and functionally robust. Client collaboration remains central to our process, whether refining a defined brief or shaping concepts from inception. This dedication to craftsmanship and client partnership has established us as leaders in specialist surface design.
Services
Cracked Gesso
Liquid Metal Finishes
Gilding
Commissioned Artworks
Surface Restoration
Glass Finishes
Wood Finishes
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of specialist experience in bespoke surface design.
- Our finishes combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technical control.
- Every project receives direct creative oversight from our lead artisan.
- We maintain full quality control through our small, dedicated team.
- Our work balances tactile character with precise execution standards.
Services
Cracked Gesso
Our signature cracked gesso technique involves hand-applying traditional gesso then fracturing it with precision to create organic textures. This centuries-old method produces richly tactile surfaces ideal for furniture, wall panels, and architectural installations. Each finish is customised through patination, gilding, or pigment washes to complement the space's character.
Liquid Metal
Hand-sculpted liquid metal finishes replicate the lustre of genuine metals with enhanced versatility. These decorative coatings mimic bronze, iron, and other metals through layered application techniques. Perfect for budget-conscious projects requiring metallic aesthetics without cast metal constraints, suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Commissioned Artworks
We create one-off surface artworks exploring our finishing techniques beyond functional projects. These standalone compositions experiment with texture, movement, and material control. Available for purchase or through private commissions, each piece reflects our commitment to material innovation and artistic expression.
Gilding
Traditional gilding techniques apply gold, silver, and metal leaf to surfaces with meticulous precision. This decorative process enhances architectural details, furniture, and artworks through hand-applied metallic finishes. Available as standalone treatments or combined with cracked gesso and liquid metal effects.
Surface Restoration
Specialist restoration services revive historic or damaged surfaces to their original condition. We match existing finishes using traditional methods while incorporating modern durability improvements. Capabilities include repairing gesso cracks, reapplying metal leaf, and rejuvenating aged lacquer finishes on furniture and architectural elements.
People
Luke Black
Founder & Lead Artisan
With over two decades of specialist experience, Luke directs all creative and technical work. He developed the studio's signature cracked gesso technique and maintains quality control across every project, ensuring artistic integrity and technical excellence in all finishes.
Elizabeth Black
Operations Director
Managing studio operations since 2011, Elizabeth oversees pricing, scheduling, and client relations. She serves as primary client contact while maintaining collaborative relationships with designers and architects, ensuring smooth project execution from inquiry to completion.
Questions
What materials do you work with?
We specialise in gesso, liquid metals, gilding, lacquer, and glass finishes. Our techniques also incorporate pigments, patinas, and surface restoration methods for comprehensive material solutions.
Can you create custom finishes not shown in your gallery?
Yes, we welcome collaborative development of new finishes. Our team works closely with clients to innovate textures and effects tailored to specific design requirements and spatial contexts.
Do you work on both commercial and residential projects?
We handle projects across sectors including luxury residential, hospitality, retail, and cultural spaces. Our finishes adapt to diverse environments while maintaining artistic integrity.
How does the commission process work?
We begin with detailed consultation to understand design goals, followed by material testing and sample creation. Clients receive technical specifications and finish samples before full-scale application begins.
What regions do you serve?
Based in Shropshire, we work UK-wide and internationally. Our team manages logistics for remote projects, maintaining quality control through detailed documentation and on-site supervision when required.
