Reverse style profile: gesso has been applied to fill the grain of the wood and cover mitre joints and then sanded smooth. A base coat in a French blue paint has been toned down with a top wash coat in black and inner and outer edges were then picked out in 24-carat gold. The whole frame was 'distressed' and waxed.

'Distressing' is a process whereby the finish is rubbed back with wire wool or some other fine abrasive in order to reveal the underlying layers of paint, etc, achieving a more worn, antique effect.