Claire Russell RMS MPSGS MASF BA (Hons) Gold leaf & Verre Églomisé Artist Claire Russell is an international award-winning artist and bespoke picture framer based in Gloucestershire, specialising in frame restoration and gilding. She uses her extensive knowledge of gilding to create her Verre Églomisé pieces, combining her life-long love of drawing and art education. Leopard Gecko – ‘Gary Mokomoko’ 2 ¾ x 2”, 24ct gold leaf and 22ct moon gold leaf on glass Having grown up in rural Gloucestershire Claire finds inspiration from the natural world, in particular, insects, birds and reptiles. Pronounced Verr Egg-loam-eezay, it is a term used to describe the application of gold leaf on glass using a gelatine adhesive (gold size). Designs are drawn into the gold leaf with a fine needle, creating minute detail. The drawing side is the reverse side and the final image is viewed through the glass, the opposite way around. The technique of Verre Églomisé, it is believed, dates to the pre-Roman era. However, an 18th century French decorator Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711–1786) was responsible for its revival and his name became synonymous with the decorative procedure - Églomisé. Restricted by the scale of gold leaf (8x8cm) Claire began working in miniature scale, carefully marrying up subject matter with complimentary gold leaf panels. Encouraged to submit her work to the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers exhibition in London, she was honoured to receive the 'Gold Memorial Bowl Honourable Mention' Award in 2015, 2016 & 2019 and elected as an Associate member (ARMS) in 2016, becoming a full member (RMS) in 2018. Claire became a member of the Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF) in 2017. In 2020 Claire was invited to become a full member of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington DC (the RMS sister society). Claire has also exhibited and sold works locally at the Hilliard Society, Somerset. The Bath Society of Artists, The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol, Adrian Hill Fine Art, Norfolk, Broadway Arts Festival and Bristol 1904 Arts. Claire has written many articles which have been published in the Artists & & Illustrators magazine. This led to her appearance on a Channel 4 production of ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas’ where she created a large Verre Églomisé piece, ‘Angel of the Stars’ in episode 11. As well as being a full member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers, Claire is also the Executive Secretary, and in May 2018 was invited to attend a garden party in the beautiful grounds of Buckingham palace for HRH The Prince of Wales 70th Birthday. Then again in May 2024 by HM King Charles III to celebrate the Creative Industries. Claire constantly develops and experiments with the medium of gold and silver leaf, and has a range of affordable, original Verre Églomisé pendants (3cm round) available to purchase from her website (shown here). Awards: Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers - Gold Memorial Bowl Honourable Mention 2015, 2016 & 2019 Miniature Society of Florida - Second - Botanical category 2018 Miniature Society of Florida - Second - Bird category 2019 Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington DC - third place collage/mixed media 2020 Hilliard Society - NVW Award for Craftmanship 2021 Annual Exhibitions: The Hilliard Society (HS) Somerset Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers (RMS) London Miniature Society of Florida (MASF) USA Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington DC (MPSGS) USA www.claire-russell.co.uk E-mail: info@claire-russell.co.uk Follow: