Gold leaf has been used for centuries to enrich and beautify objects, from religious icons to architectural details, making them appear more precious and esteemed. A fascinating application was in ancient manuscripts, where scribes meticulously applied gold leaf to letters and margins, creating dazzling effects that captured the light and symbolised the sacred or important nature of the text. This practice not only enhanced visual appeal but also reflected the wealth, power, and devotion of the patron who commissioned the work. The ability of gold leaf to elevate the status of objects continues to fascinate and inspire even today.

Dietmar Feldmann from Lower Bavaria is a master craftsman, running a restoration company with ten employees for 40 years. His signature adorns 70 churches, and he has restored over 1,500 paintings and 100 altars. Additionally, he has reconstructed or repainted 20 altars and trained more than 20 apprentices and 800 master students as a renowned course leader. Fun fact: he also gilded the guitars of hardrock band The Scorpions.

Join this master class on Sunday or have a look here for the beginner workshop on Saturday. In this master class, you will have the opportunity to gild your own treasures. Bring your shells, stones, or other objects that hold memories and emotions, and learn to use gold leaf, metal leaf, adhesives, and tools like gilding brushes. In this advanced course professional applications and the combination of adhesives, Instacoll, and Permacoll are taught and practised.

In collaboration with The ARCH.