Each enamel portrait miniature is painted in a sequence of thin layers. Every layer is fixed by firing
the piece in a kiln at 750°C to fuse the paint to its metal base — miniatures may be fired anywhere
between 10 and 30 times, resulting in a jewel-like heirloom that will never fade.
Creating an enamel base from copper and glass enamel
Case study
Creating the enamel for the Presidential Medal of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists.
Copper sheet marked for cutting
Applying ground enamel to clean copper
Tracing a chalk or pencil line
Painting over with enamel paint
2nd of seven firings in the hand-painting sequence
Applying gold lustre
The finished medal — The Presidential Medal, Hilliard Society of Miniaturists. Copper, 38 mm diameter.
Case study
Working a memorial portrait.
The layer of hand painting has been dried
Firing at 750°C to fix the painted layer
Hot from the kiln — the colour change is dramatic but cools to its original colouring
John Bryson Hay, Freeman of the City of London. Copper, 76 x 64 mm.
