Gilding Basics (water gilding) – April

The second discipline of gilding is known as Water gilding. This style is the Rolls Royce of gilding – the most beautiful and long-lasting.

In this course, you will learn the basics of water gilding, which is most usually employed to decorate picture frames and furniture. You will then use traditional water gilding techniques to produce a small wooden panel.
You will make up ancient recipes and apply gesso and bole to the surface, followed by the experience of laying the gold itself. Learn decorative elements like inscribing, burnish techniques and more to create elaborate artistic design on the panel. Alongside the main panel, you may experiment on other panels to develop your own creative flair.

This course is a great way for artists to develop and enhance their own work, as the scope for creative exploration is huge.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the history of water gilding and its development throughout the world.
• To prepare surfaces ready for gilding.
• To create gesso from scratch using pure ingredients.
• To apply gesso in a variety of ways, exploring decoration, texture and more.
• To make and apply bole (gilders clay) to a gessoed surface prior to application of gold.
• To apply precious metals to the surface using the water gilding technique.
• Burnish and antique the gilded finish according to personal preference.

Learning Outcomes:

The student will produce a water-gilded decorative panel using the traditional skills of water gilding.

The student will create and develop their own materials used in the process and be taught a variety of ways of applying the materials to surfaces.

An examination of the different types of metal leaf (including pure gold) will be made, and pros and cons of each will be discussed.

Each student will be encouraged to explore the impact of water gilding on their own work through a selection of exercises, affording an understanding of the scope of decorative finishes available.

There will be in depth discussions of the gilding process throughout the class and an opportunity for Q/A directly with the tutor.

The student will have confidence in gilding through 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
  • 16 hours of learning – 320 AED
  • 21, 22,23, 24 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.