WHAT IS A GOLDTONE?

A goldtone is a photograph on glass with a gold colored coating applied behind it.  A positive image is printed and developed on a glass plate.  Toning is next.  Early practitioners floated a mixture of bronze and zinc powders and isoamyl acetate (called Banana Oil, due to its aroma), on the emulsion side of the glass. This produces the goldtone effect.  An opaque varnish is finally applied over the coating to protect the image and enhance its reflection. A goldtone is viewed through the clear side of the glass.  There is a translucent and luminous three dimensional quality, unlike any other photographic medium.  Properly crafted, the image will emit a glow in a softly lit room.

GOLDTONE HISTORY

The goldtone (also known as an Orotone) was developed in the 1800’s by Hermann Biouw of Germany.  Its commercial beginnings were in the early 1900’s during the Art Nouveau movement.  Edward S. Curtis was most widely known to have utilized the medium while devoting thirty years to photographing Native Americans.  He called his process Curt-Tones.  Other artists included A. C. Girard, Arthur C. Pillsbury, James B. Barton, Norman Edson, Carleton Watkins, Carl Moon and R. H. Le Sesue.  Most specialized in landscapes ranging from the Northwest to the Florida Everglades.  Rare and coveted Curtis goldtones have sold for in excess of $35,000.00

Vintage gold tones are prone to deterioration when moisture interacts with the bronzing powders, causing an oxidation which affects the photographic image.
 

OUR PROCESS

At Goldtone Studios we use 22-24 K gold powder that does not oxidize.

We will adapt your special image with historic techniques in conjunction with modern equipment and improved materials.  Producing your goldtone is a four-day process combining craft and chemistry.  All work is patiently done in our private studio.

The first step is to scan your photograph to our computer.  The prime features are enhanced to project the images’ true spirit.  A negative matching the size of the finish plate is generated.  Extensive darkroom work is next.  The negative is placed in direct contact with a glass plate. The plate, previously coated with a custom light sensitive emulsion, is exposed beneath a brief light source.  After printing, your image is toned for additional enhancement and archival permanence.  Gold coating follows.  Finally a sealer is applied to encapsulate the plate from air containments and moisture.  These special processes produce a finer result than the original image

  BEFORE IMAGE GOES HERE

YOUR GOLDTONE

Crafted from the finest materials:

Distortion free, pure clear glass - (unlike common window glass with its green cast) and factory hardened to help resist scratching.
 

High silver content photographic emulsion for rich blacks and wide contrast control with our special additives for even results and permanence.

Custom mixed toners individually selected to compliment your image and added for archival assurance.

 22 - 24 karat gold plating of subtle variations selected to make your image glow.

Quality varnish coating to encapsulate the image and gold.

Historic period custom handmade frames or others from our fine selection of quality decor frames.


 

TO ORDER

Select your image from any of the following formats:

Black & White or Color print
Black & White negative or Color negative
Color transparency (slide)
Digital image on a CD

All materials presented to us are diligently protected and faithfully returned to you. 
Your goldtone will be shipped via express courier at no extra charge.

 

  AFTER IMAGE GOES HERE