In October, a major workshop entitled “Traditional Raised and Burnished Gesso Gilding” was presented by noted calligrapher and artist, Ken Harris. Ken demonstrated the mixing and application of white lead gesso using recipes and techniques that date back to the middle ages. Under Ken’s guidance, students then produced amazing projects of their own design applying gesso and 24k gold leaf.
Mixing the tablets of gesso, to be used in the process of medieval gilding
Preliminary work on the student’s A
A letter made with a ruling pen. The negative space will be gilded. Done by Ken
More students working hard
This lettering was done with a ruling pen on papyrus. Gilded Harris by Ken
Student work
Ken working
Student work, color will be added
A Table of very hard working students, using a feather quill to put on the liquid gesso, to lay the gold on
The gesso base is on the paper, but the 24k gold leaf has not been laid yet. Student Work
Letter L. Student Work
Another gorgeous A, student work
More of Ken’s gilding, calligraphy and painting
The mixing of white lead gesso. The recipe is 900 years old, just as the monks did it
