GILDING CLASSES
GILDING COURSES & DETAILS
We have two in-person Gilding courses that we teach in our studio; Introduction to Water Gilding and Advanced Water Gilding. Both of these courses are taught by Alison Woolley. Alison is a a master artisan recognised by the region of Tuscany. She has over 20 years experience teaching decorative arts and specialises in water gilding.
Please see details for each course below. If you would like to book in for one of the courses, please complete our Course Enquiry Form
Dates
Courses are scheduled depending on demand. If a course has been scheduled, exact dates can be found in the table below the course.
Accommodation
There are many hotels, apartments and agriturismo options for your stay in Tuscany. The studio is located in the picturesque setting of the Santuario del Carmine near Anghiari. You will need a car to get there, or ask us about taxi services from Arezzo train station. Pick-up and drop-off within a 5Km radius of the studio is available on request.Please contact us if you would like recommendations on where to stay during your course.
Durations
Courses are usually held over three to five days. Particular durations will be stated once a course is scheduled. Class times unless otherwise stated are from 9am to 2pm. Free studio time is available in the afternoons.
Location
All in-person courses take place in our studio near Anghiari:
Località il Carmine
Anghiari (AR) 52031
Italia
We also hold retreat courses in which students stay and learn in different beautiful locations around Italy.
Teacher
Alison Wooley teaches all courses. Alison is the owner of the FlorenceArt.Net studio and has been teaching for over 20 years. Please see the About page for more information about Alison
Registration
To register for a course, please complete the Course Enquiry Form to confirm its availability. We will then contact you to complete registration. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
INTRODUCTION TO WATER GILDING
Course participants learn the basics of water gilding with 22 karat leaf, dutch metal leaf, and silver leaf. The course also covers the use of gold size, and decorative techniques involving the finishing, oxidizing, toning and antiquing of gilded surfaces.
• learn how to use traditional gilding tools.
• the teacher passes on tried and true methods to obtain beautifully gilded surfaces.
The course take place within our artisan studio where we gild and finish fine furniture and restore antiques so that students can observe and learn from their surroundings as well as from the teaching.
Project pieces to take home are small frames and trays which are provided by the studio. There is a materials fee of 35 euros which includes the cost of one book of gold and a small frame or tray. All other course materials are provided for the duration of the course.
Course Objectives:
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Learn the basics of traditional water gilding the historically correct Florentine way.
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Save yourself many hours of experimentation by studying with an expert on gilding and restoration.
Course Level:
This course is suitable for all those who want to learn or refresh the fundamentals of water gilding, particularly those who have no experience with gilding.
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
COURSE DATES AND FEES
Techniques | Course Name | Description | Course Dates | Fees | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gilding | Introduction to Water Gilding | Learn the basics of water gilding with 22 karat leaf, dutch metal leaf, and silver leaf. | 2025 JUN 3-6 | 600 EUROS PLUS MATERIALS | FlorenceArt.Net Studio,
Carmine Anghiari |
JOINING THIS COURSE
If you are interested in joining this course, please complete our Course Enquiry Form or email info@florenceart.net
ADVANCED WATER GILDING
Course participants further their knowledge of the techniques of Italian water gilding with gold and silver leaf. Students who wish to enroll in this course will likely have some previous experience with water gilding, or have taken the introductory course. Students will learn the following techniques:
• sgraffito
• bulinatura (punchwork)
• toning
• antiquing and application of patina
• oxidation of silver leaf
• pastiglia (relief work)
Students will deepen their knowledge of water gilding techniques with specific emphasis on decorative techniques and restoration. The teacher, Alison Woolley, is a qualified gilder with many years of practical experience. She will be available to guide you past many pitfalls with teach you techniques that are tried and true. The skills learned are useful in the field of antique restoration, or can be employed in the creation of high quality original frames or art panels.
Course Level:
This course is best suited for people who have some experience with gilding in the past.
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
COURSE DATES AND FEES
Techniques | Course Name | Description | Course Dates | Fees | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gilding | Advanced Water Gilding | Further your knowledge of the techniques of Italian water gilding with gold and silver leaf. | 2025 JUN 10-13 | 600 EUROS PLUS MATERIALS | FlorenceArt.Net Studio,
Carmine Anghiari |
JOINING THIS COURSE
If you are interested in joining this course, please complete our Course Enquiry Form or email info@florenceart.net
LEARN TO GILD FROM HOME
We have an online Introduction to Water Gilding Course that you can purchase and access below. The course consists of 5 videos and is taught by Alison and her daughter Sonia. The content starts from the very beginning, showing you how to select the best tools for gilding and how to prepare your surface. You will then be guided through how to create your own gilded creations like a frame or ornament. Select the course below for more information.
EXAMPLE GILDING PROJECTS
