Experimental Gilding 
with Copper, Brass & Aluminium Leaf

A 2 or 3 day Workshop for calligraphers with Denis Brown
All levels, from beginners to advanced
 
Are you a calligrapher eager to explore the use of metal leaf in your work? Join us for this workshop led by renowned calligrapher Denis Brown.

During this workshop, participants will delve into the nature and applications of cupric metal leaf, also known as schlag or dutch metal, as well as bronze and mica powders. Rather than imitating real gold, this class will explore the unique qualities of cupric metal to achieve stunning visual effects. Through experimentation with various binders, attendees will learn to create their own gold inks that surpass commercially available options in terms of quality and versatility.

A special technique will be taught, allowing for the creation of broken leaf-gilt surfaces that partially reveal colourful washes beneath the metal. This process will serve as an elegant background for calligraphy. Additionally, participants will discover how to patinate the gilded surface, triggering the oxidation of the metal and resulting in fascinating new hues.

Guidance on layout and design incorporating the learned gilding techniques will be provided also. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your calligraphy skills and explore the artistic possibilities of gilding with metal leaf.

Required Tools and Materials

-Mica or Bronze powder in gold, silver and copper colour (A vial or small jar of each colour)
-Metal Composition Leaf (Dutch metal/Schlag leaf/Imitation gold): one book each of natural gold, pure copper, and pure aluminum leaf (25 leaves per book, size around 5"x5", important: patent/transfer, i.e. attached to a transfer paper, much easier than loose leaves)
-Finely Powdered Pumice (around 4oz container)
-Finely Powdered Gum sandarac
-Roll of gummed paper tape (at least 1.5" or 4 cm wide, for stretching paper)
-Small sponge for wetting gum-strip tape
-Rigid board for paper stretching (e.g., quarter-inch plywood or MDF, size at least 15" x 20")
-Liquid acrylic paints in various colours
-Gum arabic (small bottle of prepared liquid form, around 2.5 fl. oz.)
-PVA glue (around 8oz bottle)
-Large flat nylon paintbrush (around 1" wide)
-Pad of thick smooth white paper (around 250gsm, size 11"x17") or individual sheets of similar size
-Full-size sheets of smooth hot-pressed watercolour paper (around 250gsm or heavier, brands like Saunders Waterford, BFK Rives)
-Eyedropper or glass pipette
-Old newspapers and clean rags
-Plastic teaspoon
 -Scalpel or sharp scissors
-Small containers with airtight lids (around 6 or more, the old 35mm photo film canisters are available on Amazon)
-Calligraphy dip-pens, pencils, ruler, gouache paints, mixing brushes, palettes
-Optional but useful: Mortar & pestle - Large ceramic or stone (around 5" diameter, for ease of use)
-Optional: Artists oil-painting varnish (matte or gloss) and turpentine or white spirit for cleaning