Full Day Gilding Workshop

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at gilding? Does the idea of having the Midas touch and turning anything into gold intrigue you? Here is your opportunity to sample one of the world's oldest crafts at our venue in Penarth.

This class will cover two of the main disciplines of gilding: oil gilding and glass gilding.

Oil gilding is a great introduction for the beginner and means that anything can be gilded and turned into gold. It is a very mindful and quiet process, that is an aid to meditation and relaxation. We will be gilding with a variety of metals, including real 24-karat gold, copper, silver and more. We will also look at some techniques on how to age these metals such as patination, verdigris and using colours. This will be done on a sample board, and then a choice will be made on which finish is preferred to carry over onto a small decorative frame.

Glass gilding is a little more complex, but produces fantastic results. Here you have the opportunity to create your own mirrors using pure silver leaf and the ancient ‘verre eglomise’ technique; drawing into the silver to create bespoke pieces of art, or if you prefer, creating an old Victorian style mirror complete with age spots and delightful flaws. As well as a sample piece, the glass from the frame will be completed in the design of your choice.

The classes will be led by master gilder Richard Walker, who has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of gilding. As well as working for a variety of museums and historic houses, Richard spends time sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm at a variety of colleges and venues around the country. His students include artists, hobbyists, framers, photographers, furniture makers and much more. In his own words:

“Teaching these skills is so much more than a job for me. It is a real passion. My personal ethos is to encourage and develop these wonderful heritage skills in order to maintain and help grow the importance and appreciation of beautiful workmanship and its maintenance in our changing world.”

• All tools and materials including a booklet of gold leaf are provided (Note, if extra gold leaf is wanted, this can be purchased at the time).
• Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

This would also be a lovely gift for her, gift for mum, anniversary gift or birthday gift.