Business Details
15 Years
experience
Specialist Finishing Studio for Bespoke Surfaces
Established in 2011, Luke Black is a specialist finishing studio renowned for crafting bespoke surfaces that combine tactile character with technical precision. Our expertise spans cracked gesso, liquid metal, gilding, and resin finishes, tailored for furniture, interiors, and commissioned artworks. Collaborating with designers, architects, and private clients, we prioritise material depth and creative control, ensuring every surface reflects purpose and craftsmanship. With over two decades of experience, our studio in rural Shropshire has developed a library of finishes that balance organic textures with meticulous execution.Led by founder Luke Black, our small team maintains full creative authority from concept to completion, delivering surfaces that elevate spaces and stand as artistic statements. Our commitment to quality is evident in projects ranging from high-spec interiors to one-off artworks, all defined by restraint, precision, and material integrity.
Services
Cracked Gesso
Liquid Metal
Artworks
Gilding
Resin Finishes
Surface Restoration
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of specialist experience in bespoke surface finishes.
- Our finishes combine tactile character with technical precision.
- We maintain full creative control from concept to completion.
- Our team collaborates closely with clients to elevate interior spaces.
- We develop unique surfaces tailored to the rhythm and tone of their setting.
Services
Cracked Gesso
Our signature cracked gesso finish involves hand-crafting traditional gesso surfaces with controlled fracturing. This technique creates organic textures ideal for furniture, wall panels, and architectural elements. The process removes pigment for modern applications while retaining historic craftsmanship. Clients benefit from bespoke surfaces that blend luxury with tactile depth.
Liquid Metal
Hand-sculpted liquid metal finishes replicate the lustre of genuine metals at a practical budget. Applied by skilled artisans, these surfaces offer versatility for high-impact design elements. Ideal for statement walls or decorative features where cast metal may be impractical, ensuring durability without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Artworks
We create standalone artworks exploring surface techniques beyond project-based work. These one-off panels experiment with texture and material control, available for purchase or private commission. Each piece embodies our commitment to precision and artistic innovation, serving as both functional and decorative elements.
People
Luke Black
Founder & Creative Director
Luke Black leads all creative and technical work, bringing two decades of specialist finishing experience. His expertise in gesso, liquid metal, and gilding ensures every project maintains uncompromising standards. He directs the studio's artistic vision and technical execution.
Elizabeth Black
Operations Director
Elizabeth Black manages studio operations, pricing, and client relationships. She serves as the primary point of contact, ensuring seamless project coordination while maintaining the studio's commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
Questions
What specialist finishes do you offer?
We offer cracked gesso, liquid metal, gilding, resin finishes, and surface restoration. Each is hand-crafted to meet bespoke design requirements for furniture, interiors, and artworks.
Can you create custom finishes not shown in your gallery?
Yes, we collaborate with clients to develop unique finishes tailored to specific projects. If our existing library doesn't meet your needs, we'll work with you to create something new.
Do you work with private clients and commercial projects?
We collaborate with both private clients and commercial projects, including high-spec interiors, yachts, and architectural installations. Our approach adapts to individual client needs and project scales.
How are cracked gesso surfaces applied?
Cracked gesso is hand-crafted using a traditional formula refined for contemporary use. The process involves controlled fracturing of pigment-free gesso to create textured surfaces suitable for furniture, walls, and architectural elements.
Where is your studio located?
Our studio is based in rural Shropshire at Unit 9E, Rednal Industrial Estate, West Felton, Oswestry SY11 4HS. We work with clients nationwide and internationally.
