According to Art Gilding , the Gilding Academy in Sydney is an opportunity to make the ancient art of gilding an attainable experience and skill to anybody in the decorative industry who want to add new skills to their service portfolio.
Gilding is the ancient art of applying a thin layer of pure metal leaf finishes such as gold, silver or copper leaf to a surface. Art Gilding use various materials including 24 carat pure gold and Dutch metal leaf which is imitation gold leaf manufactured using copper and zinc.
Art Gilding have a variety of pure metal leaf finishes including:
- 23 and 24 carat gold leaf
- 12 carat white gold leaf
- Pure silver leaf
- Faux-Gold (Dutch metal)
- Aluminium leaf
- Copper leaf
- Oxide metal leaf
- Faux platinum
The Art Gilding Academy has three courses catering for different needs including a gilding weekend class, hobby workshop and the master class, which is suitable for professionals, who want to add a unique skill to their business and service offer. For those who are time-poor, the weekend class is a great way to master the basis of the art of gilding.
The Gilding master class is a fully-certified two week course that combines the professional gilding course and the advanced creative gilding course. The Gilding master class covers the various elements of gilding and will make students professional gilders. This class teaches students gilding skills similar to those in lengthy three-year apprenticeships. Gilding on plaster, timber, glass, metal and paper form part of this programme. The course is beneficial for framers and painters and anyone in the art, crafts and interior design industry.
The Gilding master class is of great value to individuals who are interested in restoration work, furniture gilding and picture framing. On completion of the Master gilding class, the Art Gilding Academy offers students a lifetime membership to the Goldfinger Club, with 20% discount on gilding tools and materials. The Goldfinger club membership also offers students advice and support.
The Art Gilding Academy offer a lifelong membership to the Goldfinger Club. According to Carolyn Fletcher, a FDAA Member, the master gilding class at Art Gilding Academy provided hands on experience, as well as an understanding of the history of this decorative art form and the products used, to achieve a professional finish using gold and silver leaf.
The master gilding class is suitable for folk and decorative artists wishing to expand their knowledge of both traditional and modern techniques of professional gilding, and its applications in decorative painting.