Traditional Gilding (Level 2)
No previous experience is required for the traditional gilding workshop. You will be introduced to a very old decorative technique, invented 4,500 years ago in ancient Egypt and only practicing traditional gilding can produce a full appreciation for this technique. Through this hands-on class, you are introduced to a range of gold leafing skills. Working from bare wood to the final product, we will prepare sample boards, prime and gild frames, make ornaments and practice finishing techniques. This class also includes a brief introduction to the history of picture frames.
Topics presented in this class include:
- traditional gilding materials, tools and techniques
- weighing, measuring and mixing
- surface preparation and planned application of oil and water gilding
- gesso texturing, re-cutting and other special effects
- making molds and ornaments
- the application of gold, silver and metal leaf
- matte and burnished finishes
- advanced leafing techniques
- sealing, toning and aging
Materials for the course are provided to the participants and participants will be advised beforehand on which gilding tools to bring.
Traditional Gilding is a prerequisite for taking Gilding Conservation (offered again in 2025).
Course Dates
Course Fee
Early Registration
Instructor
About the Instructor
Bradley Streeper is a gilder and conservator of frames and objects and has been working in the framing industry for over 25 years. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and was an art professor for several years while living in southern California. He has since devoted himself to the old-world craft of water gilding and conservation of gilded objects specializing in picture frames. Following an apprenticeship with Dutch Master gilder Peter Werkhoven in San Francisco, Bradley joined the Gold Leaf Restoration team in 2008. After more than a decade of studying frame conservation and working on large scale architectural projects with Nancy Thorn in Portland, Oregon, Bradley began private practice in 2019.
