Charles Douglas Gilding Studio
e-Newsletter for the Gilding Arts
September 2009
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Traditional Water Gilding Workshop
 
November 6, 7, 8, 2009 Seattle, WA

Advance Notice Announcement: The Fall session schedule for the 3-day Traditional Water Gilding Workshop will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 6, 7, & 8, 2009 in Room 212 at the Washington State Convention Center. This 3-day class is an intensive study of this beautiful and ancient form of gold leaf gilding.

To register, visit the gold leaf gilding classes section at www.gildingstudio.com where you can download the Registration Form or click the Quick Link to the left sidebar of this newsletter. Please submit the form whether you choose to register by mail or use the PayPal online registration method as described on the website. The Registration Form will help determine any special needs you may have such as hotel accommodations and for providing contact information.

The Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, is a known supporter of local artists. It offers access to many amenities and cultural venues such as the ACT Theatre, the Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle's beautiful Symphony Hall for those interested in exploring the city. Seattle's Pike Place Market is also relatively close by. November should be nice but bring an umbrella - just in case!

If you have any questions please email at [email protected] or call (PST) 206.795.8376.


A Discussion of Traditional Water Gilding
 
Rabbit Skin Glue: It's uses as a Protein Binder
Applying interlaggio

Traditional water gilding is a multi-tier system taking anywhere from 7-12 steps depending upon the object and the type of finish one is trying to achieve. These steps include sizing the wood, gessoing, sanding, applying clay bole, polishing the bole, gilding, and burnishing.

As a binder, rabbit skin glue (RSG, also known as size) holds all of the materials together and adheres the gold or silver leaf to the prepared surface. It is prepared in an exact formula for proper strength and applied to the wood to seal it. It also acts as a medium to assist the gesso in bonding to the wood. It is used in the gesso which fills the grain of the wood and allows the burnishing of the leaf. It is also used in the preparation of clay bole, a paste-like clay that provides color under the leaf which is somewhat translucent and offers a soft cushion against the hardness of the gesso.

There are two forms of RSG: pebble and granulated, and are manufactured in various countries including France, Germany, Italy, and the US. The sheet form, considered a favorite by many gilders, was discontinued a few years ago by the last remaining manufacturer of sheet glue in France.

Next Issue: Gesso: Preparation and Application



Charles Douglas Gilding Studio

Phone: 206-795-8376
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