Understanding Patina and Lustre Newsletter May 2022

I am often asked, what’s the difference between patina and lustre?

Whilst the two are semantically related, their meanings are slightly different.

Lustre relates to the brightness created by light reflected from a surface. The word traces its origins back to the Latin lux, meaning ‘light’, and generally implies radiance, gloss, or brilliance.

Whereas patina is one of the most difficult things to describe, and yet it is that special ingredient which transforms the surface of an antique piece of furniture from the ordinary to the exceptional.

Put simply, patina is the surface formed by a combination of the ageing processes caused by rubbing, dusting and waxing, coupled with the oxidisation of the wood and the action of the sun’s rays, producing a bronze-like lustre, or ‘skin’.

The flat yellow colour of walnut becomes golden and ‘honey-coloured’, with wonderful depth. Oak changes from dull grey to a deep, dark brown. Mahogany loses its reddish hue and softens to lovely gradations of brown, gold and grey.

The dirt and dust of years which clings to corners plays its part by highlighting the paler, mellow surfaces; even the natural grease from fingertips which darkens areas around handles is an important factor.

Patina cannot be reproduced by the makers of fakes, and its qualities are an intrinsic part of the value of an antique. It takes two hundred years or so to form, but can be removed in an instant by the use of harsh cleaners.

Patinas also develop on metal. Copper has a very tell-tale patina, which has a powder green look to it. Bronze is often chosen as a material because of the patina it develops, which looks beautiful over time due to the soft golden colour it creates.

Paper also develops patinas known as ‘foxing’. Books, paintings and other older paper items develop spots of brown, yellow or reddish-brown giving a distinctive look. Sadly this patina is generally not wanted but unfortunately, it’s often unavoidable.

I’ve included below a few pieces in our current collection with beautiful patinas and lustres.

If you are interested in any of these pieces, or have a specific requirement, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Simon

Pair of 18th Century Tea Caddies

£SOLD