Gilding the Cutty Sark – Honoring Maritime Heritage
In July–August 2018, I had the privilege of restoring the gilded stern of the Cutty Sark, one of the world’s most famous historic ships. Working solo as a gilding specialist for Campbell Smith & Co., I applied 23.5ct Italian transfer gold leaf using traditional oil gilding techniques. Nearly 2000 leaves of gold were meticulously laid to revive the ship’s intricate detailing, a process recorded and documented throughout. This work, funded by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, was a significant contribution to the preservation of gilding, an art classified on the Red List of Endangered Crafts (2018).
During this time, I also had the opportunity to teach gilding to two trainees, Ellen Wood and Tony Hassett, as part of a heritage skills initiative. The process was beautifully captured in the documentary "Gilding the Gingerbread," filmed by Bruno Sorrentino for the Heritage Crafts Association. The film showcases the traditional techniques used to restore the ship’s ornamental 'Gingerbread' carvings, ensuring that these rare and exquisite craft skills continue to be passed down.
This project was both an honor and a joy—a perfect blend of conservation, craftsmanship, and education in one of Britain’s most treasured maritime landmarks.
Gilding DVD
The Heritage Crafts Association was able to film the craft skills of gilding and produce a tutorial DVD as well as run a free workshop as a result of a generous donation from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The Goldsmiths funded a project to gild the gingerbread on the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich, enabling Tony Hassett and Ellen Wood to learn the craft skills with master gilder Rachael Linton during the hot and sunny August 2018. This was followed by a free workshop with Rachael where the participants’ skills were honed such that all felt confident to work on their own.
This is just one example of how the Heritage Crafts Association is supporting those who want to learn a traditional craft – in this case, completely free – and ensuring that the craft skills of gilding, a tradition that has been passed down through the generations, continues into the future. Without these interventions, these skills could die out completely.
The full 45-minute film on DVD is available by contacting me.
The full 45-minute film on DVD is available by contacting me.