New dates now available!
These immersive two-day sessions offer a hands-on experience in the craft of gilding, where you’ll learn both traditional 23.5k gold leaf frame water-gilding on a wooden frame and verre églomisé (gilding on glass).
The workshops are a great opportunity to focus on the craft, get your hands dirty, while connecting with like-minded creatives in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Whether you're new to art and gilding or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a deep dive into the craft with expert guidance, hands-on demonstrations, and plenty of one-on-one support. No prior art experience is needed—I’ll teach you everything from the ground up. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn the time-honoured craft of gilding in my wonderful new art studio. All materials supplied.
Contact me on: 027 293 2788 to discuss more.
WORKSHOP DATE 1
Gilding Workshop with Rachael Linton
March 22nd - 23rd, 2025
Time: 10am - 5pm,
Venue: Hawea Flat, full details upon booking.
Investment: $300 in advance & $300 on the day, total - $600.
Gilding Workshop with Rachael Linton
March 22nd - 23rd, 2025
Time: 10am - 5pm,
Venue: Hawea Flat, full details upon booking.
Investment: $300 in advance & $300 on the day, total - $600.
WORKSHOP DATE 2
Rachael Linton: Gilding Workshop
April 5th - 6th, 2025
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Hawea Flat, full details upon booking.
Investment: $300 in advance & $300 on the day, total - $600.
Rachael Linton: Gilding Workshop
April 5th - 6th, 2025
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Hawea Flat, full details upon booking.
Investment: $300 in advance & $300 on the day, total - $600.
A stunning example of the craftsmanship achieved in our two-day intensive gilding workshop. Claire and Janet, a mother-daughter duo, joined the experience, and here’s Claire proudly holding her finished piece—a traditionally water-gilded 23.5ct gold frame with a verre églomisé gilded glass panel.
I was sponsored to teach at the Goldsmiths School of Jewellery in 2014, where I taught 12 students traditional water gilding.
Here is what you will learn:
Theory:
To begin, we will cover the essential materials and tools used by gilders. You will gain a thorough understanding of both traditional and contemporary gilding techniques, including working with loose gold leaf. The workshop will also focus on the various applications of gold in different areas, such as frames, fine art, furniture, boats, and buildings. In addition, we will explore the different mediums required for gilding on a wide variety of substrates, including wood, plaster, metal, glass, and ceramics. Understanding these materials and techniques is key to mastering gilding and incorporating it into your artistic practice.
To begin, we will cover the essential materials and tools used by gilders. You will gain a thorough understanding of both traditional and contemporary gilding techniques, including working with loose gold leaf. The workshop will also focus on the various applications of gold in different areas, such as frames, fine art, furniture, boats, and buildings. In addition, we will explore the different mediums required for gilding on a wide variety of substrates, including wood, plaster, metal, glass, and ceramics. Understanding these materials and techniques is key to mastering gilding and incorporating it into your artistic practice.
Practical:
The practical side of the workshop will focus on the water-gilding technique. This method will be tailored to your current skill level, so whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll be able to work at a comfortable pace. You’ll learn to prepare and prime surfaces in the proper way to ensure a smooth gilding process. The preparation of white gesso and red bole, two essential materials in gilding, will also be covered in detail. During the workshop, you will water-gild a frame and verre eglomisé glass—both of which are perfect for display or as thoughtful gifts. You will also learn how to handle loose gold leaf using a cushion, knife, and gilder's tip, essential tools for any gilder. Beyond technique, we will discuss industry skills, timing, and recipes, giving you a practical understanding of the process and what to expect when working with gilding in professional settings.
The practical side of the workshop will focus on the water-gilding technique. This method will be tailored to your current skill level, so whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll be able to work at a comfortable pace. You’ll learn to prepare and prime surfaces in the proper way to ensure a smooth gilding process. The preparation of white gesso and red bole, two essential materials in gilding, will also be covered in detail. During the workshop, you will water-gild a frame and verre eglomisé glass—both of which are perfect for display or as thoughtful gifts. You will also learn how to handle loose gold leaf using a cushion, knife, and gilder's tip, essential tools for any gilder. Beyond technique, we will discuss industry skills, timing, and recipes, giving you a practical understanding of the process and what to expect when working with gilding in professional settings.
Materials Included:
At the end of the workshop, you will take home the frame and gilded glass that you have worked on. These materials will be yours to keep: One book of genuine 23.5ct loose leaf gold - applied to your frame & verre églomisé during the workshop. A frame with glass, which will be gilded during the workshop. These materials will be loaned to you during the course: Cushion, Knife, Gilder's Tip, Brushes, Size, Sandpaper, Burnishers. If you have your own gilding equipment please bring it to practice with.
At the end of the workshop, you will take home the frame and gilded glass that you have worked on. These materials will be yours to keep: One book of genuine 23.5ct loose leaf gold - applied to your frame & verre églomisé during the workshop. A frame with glass, which will be gilded during the workshop. These materials will be loaned to you during the course: Cushion, Knife, Gilder's Tip, Brushes, Size, Sandpaper, Burnishers. If you have your own gilding equipment please bring it to practice with.
Gilding Gift Card.
Learn to gild with Master Gilder Rachael Linton. An experience worth its weight in gold! A great gift idea, These gift tickets are available throughout the year for birthday and wedding presents or simply as something nice for someone special.
Also available every Christmas.
Contact me if you would like one posted to you.
Also available every Christmas.
Contact me if you would like one posted to you.
Have you been gifted a 'Tilia Gilding Gift Card'?
The next step is to email me to book the dates that suit you and to register.
All workshops will take place at my art studio in Hawea Flat, near Wanaka in NZ, so please make sure you will be able to attend here. Feel welcome to contact me if you have any questions.
Other workshops
- One-to-one focused classes, Custom classes can be developed to meet your needs & skill level. Beginners and advanced creative people welcome.
- Group classes for four to eight people.
Book a session for your family, friends, or colleagues—perfect for team bonding or a unique work event!
- One-day introduction to gilding. 6 hours practical.
Book a session for your family, friends, or colleagues—perfect for team bonding or a unique work event!
- One-day introduction to gilding. 6 hours practical.
- One Day - Verre eglomise (gilding on glass) intensive. 6 hours
- One Day - Oil gilding. 6 hours
A two-day weekend mix course where we will cover
1. Watergilding,
3. Verre Eglomise (Gilding on glass), 16 hours practical.
1. Watergilding,
3. Verre Eglomise (Gilding on glass), 16 hours practical.
Gilding the Gingerbread Trailer and full feature length DVD.
Two trainees, Ellen Wood and Tony Hassett, learn the traditional craft of gilding on the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Master craftswoman Rachael Linton demonstrates the skills and explains the processes and techniques of oil gilding, currently classified as endangered on the HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts.
This film was made with the generous support of The Heritage Craft Association and The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. With special thanks to The Royal Museums of Greenwich and Campbell Smith and Co. Produced by Palio Films with music by Roberto Sorrentino.
Buy the full film on DVD £15 from heritagecrafts.org.uk/hca-shop/.