The Studio
About Mullins Studio
Combining historical expertise with traditional craft, Mullins Studio specialises in the highest quality gold leaf gilding for heritage, royal, and contemporary commissions across the United Kingdom.
Fortnum & Mason
The King's Royal Warrant
Colin Mullins was commissioned to create the Royal Coats of Arms now adorning the Piccadilly facade of Fortnum & Mason, in celebration of the store's new Royal Warrants. Each piece was hand-sculpted, 3D-scanned, and finished with gold and platinum leaf using techniques that honour centuries of gilding tradition.
"The Coats of Arms that now adorn our Piccadilly facade were created by heraldic artist Colin Mullins, whose family has been at this noble craft since the 1740s."
Fortnum & Mason
Our Heritage
A Family Tradition of Gilding
Founded by Colin Mullins, historical gilder, ecclesiastical colour man, and heraldic artist, Mullins Studio continues a long-standing family tradition of gilding and colour artistry. Colin's extensive experience in gold leaf gilding and the restoration of historic metalwork has positioned him as a leading conservator in the United Kingdom. His portfolio includes numerous heritage sites, civic buildings, and collaborative projects of national importance.
Services
What Mullins Studio Offers
The studio works across the full lifecycle of heraldic and gilded work — from new commissions to sensitive conservation — always tailored to the individual needs of the client.
Creation
New Coats of Arms and heraldic pieces made to order, crafted using sustainable mediums and tailored to suit the application and setting.
Refurbishment
Existing pieces brought back to their original standard, with new gilding, repainting, and structural repair as required.
Conservation & Restoration
Careful, ethics-led conservation of historic heraldic work, preserving original materials wherever possible while ensuring long-term stability.
Architectural Gilding
Exterior and interior metalwork including gates, railings, sculptures, and decorative features, finished with gold or platinum leaf.
Selected Works
Notable Projects
Fortnum & Mason
Creation of the Royal Coats of Arms for the Piccadilly facade, in celebration of the store's new Royal Warrants.
Waitrose & Partners
Gilding of Royal Coats of Arms on display in the Windsor store.
Buckingham Palace
Restoration of organ casing gilding in the main ballroom for the Royal Household.
Kensington Palace
Gilding of rods and brackets to match historic frames in the Royal Art Collection.
Hampton Court Palace
Consulting on the gilding of Tijou screens; restoration of historical vanes and oak shutters.
Westminster Abbey
Simulated marbling on carved mahogany candle holders.
Houses of Parliament
Gilding and painting of newly commissioned organs in St Mary Undercroft to Pugin's original design.
Bridgewater House
Restoration of decorative schemes under Maurice Keavill, including gilded domes and leatherette wall coverings.
Stella McCartney Showroom
Textile installation and gilded display treatments for Georgian fireplaces.
Heraldic & Civic
Specialist Gilding Projects
Drapers Hall, City of London
Gilding and painting of 15 heraldic Coats of Arms.
Russell Coates Museum, Bournemouth
Gilding of museum gates and heraldic motifs.
Bishopsgate Library
Gilding of architectural features including sun motifs and entrance gates.
Eton Hall, Chester
Restoration and gilding of garden gates and other external metalwork.
Fine Art
Contemporary Collaborations
Alongside heritage work, the studio collaborates with leading contemporary artists. Examples include gilding granite sculptures for Stephen Cox and gilded sphere pieces for Anish Kapoor, demonstrating the versatility of gold leaf across both classical and modern forms.
Our Commitment
Discretion & Craft
Mullins Studio is committed to preserving the heritage and tradition of gold leaf gilding. Clients include conservation bodies, architects, artists, private estates, and public institutions. Every project is handled with complete discretion, precision, and deep respect for the original craftsmanship.
Begin a Commission