Learn reverse glass gilding [Verre églomisé] with Umberto. Umberto will talk you through the stages of gold leaf application to the rear surface of the glass. You will gild a specific design using the technique of water gilding before adding colour to the work, finishing the piece ready to take home and be framed. 

You will be shown how to apply loose gold leaf to a gilders cushion before learning how to pick up gold using traditional tools such as a gilders tip. All participants will be able to apply the gold to the glass [in reverse] watching the gold leap off the gilders tip onto the glass before drying to a mirrored finish.

Robert [Umberto] will be demonstrating how to burnish gold, apply extra coats of gold as well as finish each piece with enamel paint. Once each [traditional] stage is complete, you are able to take home your work relay to be framed. 

byUMBERTO is the studio of Robert ‘Umberto’ Walker*- artist, artisan & educator based in Marsden, UK. Passionate about typography, craft, detail and keeping heritage skills alive, Robert started out as a sign writer and mural painter- what was once known as a ‘decorator’.

Today Robert’s focus is not just on learning from the best (and sometimes the last) in their field, but believes in finding and using the tools once used by masters of their trade, to stay true to these heritage skills. A lifelong learner & teacher, he is also a zealous advocate of sharing his expertise through ongoing workshops, lectures & community engagement, and is always looking for new ways to inspire others.

Trained in a multitude of craft techniques, Robert’s speciality is in the art of Verre Églomisé, which involves painstakingly painting a design and applying gold leaf onto the rear face of glass, once a commonly-used technique for signage, now an at-risk heritage skill. Now Robert brings all of his experience and obsession together to create high-end pieces from the byUMBERTO studio for exteriors, interiors, and collectors and is increasingly exploring the creation of contemporary art pieces using traditional sign-writing methods.

In collaboration with the Heritage Crafts Association.

Gilding materials generously sponsored by GOLD LEAF SUPPLIES.

Picture credit: Arran Cross from Department Two.