Gilding Basics (oil gilding) – April

This course will provide an introduction to the first of the three main disciplines of gilding; oil-gilding. Oil gilding is the most straightforward discipline to learn and produces quick and satisfactory results. It is easily understood by an amateur wishing to develop a new craft or incorporate into an existing one In this course, you will learn how to apply gold leaf and other precious metals to a variety of surfaces, including wood, paper, and metal. This will be completed by working on a selection of sample panels upon which you will learn various ways of applying an assorted variety of leaf, including copper, silver, and pure gold. This will be completed in both loose and transfer leaf styles.

You will learn how to handle the leaf in different ways using a variety of different tools, apply the leaf in whole and broken finish style. You will also look at applying pure gold in thin painted lines, ideal for water colors and oil paintings. There will also be an examination of using chemicals and patination coloring to the leaf, which creates a wide range of effects, including verdigris, tarnished silver and antique style gilding.

Learning Objectives:

• The different types of leaf available and their formats.
• How to correctly prepare a surface for gilding.
• How to apply leaf to the surface with gilding tools.
• The different types of adhesive available and their pros / cons
• How to create interesting finishes using chemicals and paints.
• Sealing and protecting gilded surfaces.
• Using goldleaf in art and script.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the workshop, the student will have created an assortment of sample panels for the gilding processes. They will have an understanding of the different ways gold and other metals are applied and will have been encouraged to explore these areas in different ways and upon different mediums. The student will have confidence in using gilding in a variety of formats for their own personal area of expertise.

Age: Adults (16+)

Workshop Dates and Times: 

• Monday – Thursday , 4.00 PM – 8.00 PM
  • 12 hours of learning – 240 AED
  • 15, 16, 17 April

Certificate: 

• Please note that you should attend at least 90% of the hours to receive your attendance certificate for this course.

Workshop Location: Al Taif Mall Business Centre, 17th Floor.

Tutor’s Biography: Richard Walker

Richard has worked on a wide range of gilding projects including historic ships (HMS Warrior), private interiors, antique furniture for castles and listed monuments. He teaches at a wide range of top colleges, including West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and The Chippendale International School of Furniture. He specializes working with artists and creatives in developing their work using goldleaf and other precious metals.

Workshop Rules and Regulations: 

• The fee includes all the learning hours and materials that will be supplied in the in-person course.
• No refunds are acceptable and you need to attend the specified hours and times listed on this page.
• No makeup sessions will be offered.