Robert W. Frese "The Goldfather" began the study of traditional sign painting in his hometown of Long Beach, California. He was an apprentice for eight years at Hardy Sign Co. Attracted to the artistry of the past and the beautiful gold leaf signage, Robert moved to Chicago in 1984 and worked for F.O. Carlson & Co. It was there he learned to work with gold leaf. After a few years he developed enough confidence to work on his own. So in 1986, Robert started Chicagold Sign Co. and, for the past 30 years, he has dedicated his career to mastering the art of gilding and sign design. His work can be seen adorning historic buildings, retail and hospitality businesses throughout the Chicago area.

The art of glass gilding offers almost unlimited possibilities.

Gold leaf is available in many varieties ranging from 12K white gold to 23K deep gold which may be left plain for a look of elegant simplicity, or accented with an outline and/or shade of any color desired. Two tone gold leaf lettering combines mirror and satin finishes to enhance visibility under all lighting conditions. Satin finishes in glass gilding may be used in the centers of letters in combination with mirror outlines, or used to create a convex effect that appears three dimensional. Gold leaf lettering can also be rendered with colored centers and gold outlines. Embossed gold leaf centers are probably the most beautiful and striking effect possible. The centers have a heavy texture that stands out from the outlines in bold relief for a truly dazzling appearance.