Scagliola

Scagliola is a form of plaster, traditionally gypsum, which imitates decorative stone and has been widely used for the decoration of walls, columns, floors, fireplaces and table tops; it is often used instead of marble where the traditional stone would be too heavy or difficult to integrate into construction.

While there is evidence of scagliola decoration in ancient Roman architecture, scagliola decoration became popular in Italian Baroque buildings in the 17th century and was imitated throughout Europe until the 19th century; since then little has changed in terms of manufacture and the artisanal process has remained the same. The material is veined with colours and applied to a core, or the desired pattern may be carved into a previously prepared scagliola matrix.

The pattern's indentations are then filled with the coloured, plaster-like scagliola composite, and then polished with flax oil for brightness, and wax for protection. The combination of materials and technique provides a complex texture, and richness of colour not available in natural veined marbles. This vibrant colour can be seen in both the Waltham Console Table as well as the vibrant green top to the Bighton Side Table.

Further Reading