Harpsichords - Fortepianos - Virginals - Clavichords
by Instrument builder Craig C. Tomlinson

Back to Harpsichords French - Tomlinson Harpsichords

This is a photo of a typical French floral wreath with a gilded rose - Tomlinson Harpsichords

French Double Manual
Soundboard decoration

This is a photo of a typical French floral wreath with a gilded rose. The rose is cast in lead then gilt with 22 carat gold leaf. The leaf used is 1/500,000 of an inch thick.


click here to view a larger image

Dry pigments are mixed with water and gum arabic - Tomlinson Harpsichords The soundboard is given a protective coating of shellac - Tomlinson Harpsichords
In the traditional manner, dry pigments are mixed with water and gum arabic and painted directly on a
german spruce soundboard.  After the completion of the painting, the soundboard is given a protective
coating of shellac.

A choice of bird and flower species are given the client -
A choice of bird and flower species are given the client - the artist remains free to interpret these as
she sees fit.The results are usually well beyond expectation.   		Olga's contemporary renditions do not compete for attention - Tomlinson Harpsichords
Olga's contemporary renditions do not
compete for attention, but assimilate with the fine grain of the natural wood.
Chinoiserie decoration on inside of lid - Tomlinson Harpsichords Chinoiserie decoration on inside of lid - Tomlinson Harpsichords
Chinoiserie decoration on inside of lid
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