David Smith

French Embossing is the corroding of glass with an acid to produce a great variety of Tones, textures and decorations. Very widely used during the Victorian period and still practiced today.

Various examples of curved glass made in my studio, using the same basic techniques of Victorian craftsman. The later pictures show the technique of forming the glass in a kiln to a pre-shaped metal former.

Glue Chipped Glass has to be one of the most intriguing techniques of reverse glass. I was first exposed to the glue chipping technique on glass while on holiday at the Disneyland Park in Aneheim, California around 1990.

This small glass panel employs acid-etching through a painted resist known as asphaltum. The outer border was tool-nipped on the edge and chemical silvered. Detail on the bike is scratched through gold and painted. The bicycle was designed by my…

When presented with aged & damaged examples of early reverse glass advertising pieces & ornate mirrors, it is important to restore sensitively.