This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over four days, you will master the art of traditional oil and water gilding. Using skilled processes, you will prepare a picture frame, picture rail, and decorative ornaments for gilding with 23.75ct gold leaf. You will gild a letter of the alphabet; students will need to inform us of their chosen letter when booking. When you have completed this course, you will have the skills to make and prepare gesso and bole using traditional recipes, and how to lay both smoothly. You will become proficient in preparing, gilding, and burnishing gold leaf on bare wood surfaces and learn the artistic skill of antiquing them. Mould-making and composition casting used in traditional antique frame conservation is an endangered heritage craft. On this course you will have the opportunity to learn the practicalities of this vanishing art. Included in the course is a fieldtrip where you will gain first-hand knowledge of historical gilded frames.
