What is Ornamentation?

The art of decorative ornamentation can be traced to the 1500's in Italy and flourished in France under Louis the XIV in the 1600's. For much of this time ornamentation was created by carving wood by hand. Although this method was truly beautiful it was eventually found that wood carving had too many limitations and so another medium (technology) was sought. Italian artisans produced an "amazing dough" that could be steamed and molded into exquisite ornamental decor. This dough-like substance became known as "compo" or composition ornamentation and the secrets to its formulation were (and still are) carefully guarded. This amazing dough, or "compo" hardens and withstands the test of time and can be seen today in the breathtaking interiors of Versailles.

An artist and businessman named J.P. Weaver brought his own secret "compo" formulation from England to Los Angeles in 1914 and to this day his formula and application techniques  stand as the quintessential means of bringing decorative, composite ornamentation into our living spaces.

Today, in addition to steamed compo, there exists a highly classified, paintable, resin-based, type of interior ornamentation called Petitsin. The beauty and history associated with centuries of interior art lives on and is available to us through the meticulous application of "compo" and Petitsin.

Gold Leaf Custom Wall Design is one of only two designated installers of these products in the Colorado marketplace. We invite you to visit our showroom for an up-close-and-personal look at these indescribable products.