Tuesday, 3 June 2025
A Gilding Course & A Discovery
I have been on my travels again, this time to Shropshire to attend a Gilding Course. I have ambitions you see to 'gild up' my new home, once we actually sell our current property and get moving that is. The course was part of the many varied offerings at Leighton Lodge, under the auspices of father and daughter Roger and Katie. Together they run a much acclaimed school of decorative arts called Master The Art. (Unfortunately, dear reader you know my naughty blogging system won't allow me to create a link to them, grrrrr).
My old friend George stepped in at the last minute to enjoy the course with me as my son couldn't make it as planned. This is me on the left of the picture, looking very professional in my 'artisan' dungarees, ha ha.
I have to admit that I didn't quite master the art of water guilding, but am very happy with my abilities to oil guild. Please note and admire my gilded walnut, yes they will be in abundance come Christmas.
This is an early photo of Roger in his Colefax and Fowler days looking every inch the debonair man about town. At 86 years he is still full of the joys of life, fuelled by copious amounts of nicotine and STRONG coffee. He was funny and very patient, a Master Guilder, and we couldn't have hoped for a more skilled and sweet teacher.
George and I stayed in the flat at the top of Leighton Lodge and it was sooooo comfortable. Muddy the boisterous and vocal pooch kept us safe throughout.
This piece of thrifted furniture is first on my hit list for gilding and beautifying.
I best tell you all about my discovery in the next instalment for fear of you all falling asleep.
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I think it would be great fun to gild something, but I'm so heavy-handed, everyone within shouting distance would be covered.
ReplyDeleteThe gold sheets are almost impossible to handle at all, but luckily there was an alternative, which was very easy.
DeleteYour Gilding Course sounds really interesting, and I'm in full admiration of your gilded walnut. Very professional indeed!
ReplyDeleteAnd all in Mary Webb's place of birth too. Did you read any of her novels? The ones I've read are incredibly atmospheric! xxx
Ah yes PP, all will be revealed in my next post.
DeleteOH YOU TEASE!! How dare you make us wait for another post? For shame. Anyways...back to THIS post...you're adorable!! And the bibs (what we call them here) suit you I think. ;-) I'm glad you enjoyed your gilding adventure. Your little walnuts are almost as cute as you. (Make sure you show us photos of your creations at Christmas time!) Your lodgings look perfectly timeless. The headboard on the bed looks exactly like what I have been looking for for the guest room at the lake and haven't been able to find. Sigh. ~Robin~ (Now hurry along that next post!)
ReplyDeleteHello my friend, thank you muchly for the sweet compliments. i will definitely will be posting about my gilding experiments. The headboard in the room was a simple bergere style and the rattan had simply been masked off in a criss cross fashion then painted or sprayed. It was a thrifty way of making if look very fancy. Katie's bedlinen was so super nice I ordered a set whilst i was still there and it was on sale, hurrah.
DeleteOh how absolutely wonderful Jean. I would so LOVE to learn guilding. What a wonderful time away with your friend - how special. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, I suspect that you would master the art of guilding very quickly.
DeletePleased you enjoyed your time away.
ReplyDeleteYour gilded walnuts will be lovely at Christmastime.
All the best Jan