Italian language and cultural school for foreigners
Gilding
“Firenze nell'Arte”

Gilding workshop

Gilding is a set of decoration techniques that can be applied on different materials and objects, in order to embellish them. It is the operation of placing a very thin layer of gold, known as "gold leaf". Sometimes, but rarely, gold is replaced with alloys that simulate the colour of gold, silver or copper.

Gilding techniques are used primarily for frames, precious book volumes, highly valuable furniture and art objects in general.

Gilding was a very important technique in Medieval art and architecture, particularly in the Byzantine and Renaissance periods. The gold leaf was used in paintings on cornice, for the halo of saints, or to represent the brightness of the sun. Gold does not corrode and thanks to this feature many works of golden art have remained intact to this day.

Programme

Gold leaf gilding

  • Gilding techniques: gouache and mission.
  • Use of rabbit-skin and fish glues
  • Bologna gilding chalk
  • Bole: technical features
  • Mecca (special alcohol-based varnish)
  • Engraving
  • Chiselling
  • Pastiglia

Restoration of gilded works

  • Introduction of materials
  • Velinatura (application of a protective film)
  • Antiparasitic treatment
  • Old priming consolidation
  • Old lacquer consolidation
  • Cleaning
  • Plaster work
  • Imitation supplemental treatments
  • Ageing

Prices

For every 24 hours 950

Prices valid upon enrolment for all course commencement dates

Course start dates

2022 2023
Jan 3, 17, 31 Jul 4, 18
Feb 14, 28 Aug 1, 16, 29
Mar 14, 28 Sept 12, 26
Apr 11, 26 Oct 10, 24
May 9, 23 Nov 7, 21
Jun 6, 20 Dec 5

National holidays observed in the year 2022:
6 January, 18 April, 25 April, 2 June, 24 June, 15 August, 1 November, 8 December.

Jan 9, 23 Jul 10, 24
Feb 6, 20 Aug 7, 21
Mar 6, 20 Sept 4, 18
Apr 3, 17 Oct 2, 16, 30
May 2, 15, 29 Nov 13, 27
Jun 12, 26 Dec 11

National holidays observed in the year 2023:
10 April, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June, 15 August, 1 November, 8 December.

Course enrolment

Materials are not included in the price and will be agreed upon at the beginning of the course.

The 24-hour course can be spread over 2 or more weeks.

All courses are taught in Italian.

Registration includes the placement test, the accommodation search service, certificates and a few cultural activities.