Héloïse Nice

Gilder

©JB Rengeval

©JC Lelu

©JB Rengeval

A golden brush with history

Héloïse specialises in conservation and restoration of gilded works
Her craft includes restoring artworks for museums, historical monuments and churches
She also produces her own gilded creations

Inspired by her archaeologist parents, Héloïse Nice first studied art and archaeology at the École du Louvre, before discovering her true passion for gilding. She had been fascinated by the Château de Versailles from a young age, and the profession of gilder later revealed itself as the right path for her. “It felt ideal in every way: heritage, art history, and gilding in Versailles and other castles I love to visit,” she explains. During her degree in gilding and ornamentation at La Bonne Graine in Paris, she trained with a master gilder in Versailles, specializing in conservation-restoration and working with the Museums of France. This experience allowed Héloïse to contribute to major heritage preservation projects. In 2018, she opened her own atelier, where she has since been sharing her expertise with private clients, antique dealers, castles and museums.

Interview

©JC Lelu

©JB Rengeval

What first sparked your interest in gilding?: I visited the Palace of Versailles with my school when I was eight years old, and I became passionate about the palace and its history. I asked for books and watched movies on the subject throughout my youth. On my bedside table, I even had a postcard of the portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud.
When and how did you actually begin?: During my degree in gilding and ornamentation, I knocked on the doors of every gilding workshop in Paris. The last one I visited in Versailles agreed to teach me the craft! Learning gilding next to the palace was a dream come true. In the end, my master gave me the chance to restore the frame of Louis XIV’s portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud, which was extremely meaningful for me.
What specific techniques do you master?: I master traditional gilding techniques, particularly reparure, which I use in my creations, and patina, which helps conceal where restorations have been made. I also specialize in verre églomisé and gilding on metal.
What do you love most about your craft?: I love being able to 'read' an object and date it based on its technique and decorative scheme. Travelling through time with these objects and continuing the work of artisans from the past is very fulfilling. I also feel honoured to have in my hands magnificent objects, for the duration of their restoration, and to give them new life.

Héloïse Nice is an expert artisan she began her career in 2006