Gilding Classes Christchurch, New Zealand 2026

Te Matatiki Toi Ora | The Arts Centre

EARLY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2025! Use Discount Code NEWZEALAND26

Gilding For Works of Art (1 Day Only)

Date: April 22, 2026

Time: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (lunchtime 1-2)

Gilded Glass: Introduction To Verre Églomisé (2-Day)

Date: April 23-24, 2026

Time: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (lunchtime 1-2)

Traditional Water Gilding (2-Day)

Date: April 25-26, 2026

Time: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (lunchtime 1-2)

Location: Te Matatiki Toi Ora | The Arts Centre (Makers Workshop)
2 Worcester Blvd

Makers Workshop: Corner of Hereford St. and Rolleston Ave.

Christchurch, New Zealand

*Limited to 12 Students Per Class (Early Registration Encouraged!)

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please Read Below at the bottom of the page.

*Materials and Tools: *Tuition Includes All Materials and Use of Studio Gilding Tools needed during Class. (Students get to take their projects home!).

All Levels Welcome!

Gilding For Works of Art: April 22, 2026

This popular one-day Intensive gilding class for Fine Artists returns to Christchurch, New Zealand for Fall 2026!

Students explore the various methods of working with gold and silver leaf on canvas and paper for both background and embellishment.

• Learn to lay a genuine 23k gold leaf ground for painting as well as brass and silver colored aluminum leaf.

• Discover the use of protective and isolating coatings such as Golden’s MSA Varnish and GAC 200/500 and the requirements of oil and acrylic mediums.

• Explore the use of both Ancient and Contemporary mordants for gilding on Paper and Canvas such as Glair, Gum Ammoniac, and popular Contemporary Acrylic Mediums

Instructor Charles Douglas has 40 years of gilding experience and will patiently take you through the intricacies of working with delicate gold leaf: how to pick it up, cut it, and how to tame it with the proper use of the gilder's tip, pad, and knife.

Glass Gilding: Introduction To Verre Églomisé: April 23-24, 2026

This exciting two-day Workshop introduces students to the art of Verre Églomisé with a focus on achieving a proper balance between brilliancy and bonding between gold and silver leaf and the glass.

Students will learn to properly clean the glass, choose the appropriate backup paint and explore the following Glass Gilding Techniques:

• Single Gilding, Double Gilding, and Spot Gilding

• The Verre Églomisé technique of Etching Reverse Designs into 12k White Gold Leaf to be seen from the Front

• Abrading the Leaf for Antiqued Effects

• Gilding the Exterior of Glass as a Decorative Finish

• Includes All Materials including Glass and Genuine 12k White Gold Leaf

Explore the beautiful artistry of gilded glass and mirrors In both Modern solid gild and abraded ‘antique’ Finishes in Genuine 12k White Gold Leaf..

Gilder Charles Douglas began his gilding career glass gilding with the Visual Merchandising Dept. at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. He has taught classes in such locations as New York, Whidbey Island, Ontario, New Zealand, and San Francisco as well as through his popular Online format on Zoom reaching students from 27 different countries.

Traditional Water Gilding; April 25-26, 2026

Water Gilding returns to Christchurch, New Zealand! As taught in New York City this Special Intensive 2-day class is designed for all those looking to learn the Traditional Method of Water Gilding, for both Custom Picture Framers and Fine Artists seeking to incorporate the traditional method of gilding into their Water Gilded Panel Paintings, suitable for Egg Tempera, Oils, or Acrylics. Join us as we take a journey through this beautiful ancient method of gilding students learn:

• The concepts of Preparing and Applying Traditional Gesso and Clay Bole Grounds

• Gild by laying genuine 23k gold leaf

• Burnishing,

• Punchwork and Incision as seen on 13th - 18th c Florentine and Sienese Gilded Painted Panels

• Includes All Materials including genuine 22k Gold Leaf and your choice of a Frame or Panel to Gild and take home!

Traditional Water Gilding is the same for any object of wood. The subtle differences between gilding Picture Frames, Panels, and other wooden objects will be demonstrated while every student gets to choose a Frame or Panel to gild in class which they get to take home! All Levels Welcome.

***Materials are included and students may use the studio gilding tools during class (optional gilding kits are available through gildedplanet in yhe US upon request).

Whether you’re a Professional Custom Picture Framer, Fine Artist, Iconographer, or a Student simply looking to learn the Traditional Water Gilding method you will find this class among the most incredibly useful classes offered in this ancient technique. Immerse yourself in two intensive days of gilding! ~

***NOTE: All Levels Welcome in All 3 Classes! Optional gilding kits are available through Gilded Planet. Gilding Kits are Not Required for the class since the use of studio tools is provided. Optional Gilding Kits are available upon request for those who wish to develop in their gilding Practice. (An Online Link will be provided with a student discount for kits Upon Registration).

Class Size is Limited to 12 Students for each class (Early Registration is encouraged).

CANCELLATION POLICY: Although No Refunds are available, a Full Credit to Any Future Available Class of equal or lesser value will be provided if you need to cancel. If no future class is available, or if you prefer, you may convert your Registration to the Online version of your class (all online classes are both Live and Recorded providing with one full year access to the recordings). Go Here to View the Complete Cancellation Policy.