Seine-et-Marne, France, June 17, 2019
In the picturesque region of Seine-et-Marne, near the charming 18th-century Château de Jossigny designed by Jacques Hardouin Mansart, lies the Ulgador atelier. We are warmly welcomed by Rahel, her smile beaming as she eagerly shows us around the workshop.
Our tour begins with the stunning décors created on glass. We first encounter a panel inspired by Coco Chanel’s Coromandel lacquer screens, with a Japonist spirit combining gold, silver, and black. We continue, admiring vegetal motifs on gold-leafed wood, oxidized with brass. Upstairs, we discover shelves filled with hand-gilded wallpaper rolls, featuring various themes inspired by cultures from across the globe—spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. We also see samples of verre églomisé. Rahel finishes the tour by showing us original creations that explore other aspects of their craftsmanship, such as a hand-gilded paper kimono, oxidized brass leafed greeting cards, and a 3D artwork featuring a tree with branches extending out, adorned with glass flowers sculpted by Julie Gonce, who works with glass at the flame.
This successful enterprise didn’t emerge overnight. Ulgador was founded in 1996 by Gabor Ulveczki, who initially produced gilded kraft paper using beaten metal leaf (brass, copper, gold, silver, etc.) for bookbinders and framers. His research and creative efforts led to the development of unique processes involving the application, oxidation, and corrosion of metal leaves, setting Ulgador apart.
He later expanded into collections of wallpapers, wall panels, and other decorative elements.
In 2007, Ulgador was awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label.
Gabor was invited to participate in the "Japan Brand" program, allowing him to spend two years in Ikazaki (Shikoku, Japan).
In 2012, his daughter Rahel joined the company to continue developing the brand.
Ulgador now collaborates with numerous French companies on product development, such as shower cabins with Volevatch, flooring, wall, and furniture coverings with Lamellux, and gilded papers with Lama-Li.
Prestigious brands like Chanel, Piaget, Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels have also embraced Ulgador’s artistry.
Daphné Aubé