Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Joanna Mabbutt in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

The Arts Society at Firstsite is an organisation about connecting people who have a passion for art.

TASAF is part of a global network of local societies, which bring people together through shared curiosity for the arts. You can learn more about it here. 

We offer a series of 10 talks* from accredited lecturers based around the UK. Lectures take place throughout the year from September to June on the third Tuesday of each month. 

Find out more about TASAF here.

Session Program 

The fascinating History of Gilded Decoration (Lecture by Joanna Mabbutt)

The art of beating gold leaf and gilding dates back to ancient Egypt. Traditionally craftsmen pounded gold for hours to create sheets thin enough to cover the most finely detailed surfaces.

For over 22 centuries from Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus to Rachel Whiteread’s gilded frieze for the Whitechapel Gallery, skilled artisans have exploited paper-thin metal leaf to enrich materials such as wood, metal, marble, leather, paper, glass, porcelain and textiles.

Artists and craftsmen have illuminated manuscripts and icons, decorated noble houses from top to bottom, embellished erotic canvases, and gilded chocolate and schnapps.

Gold leaf continues to be used as the ultimate faux decoration and dazzling ornamentation

About the Lecturer

Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and Freeman of the City of London. Originally a trained singer, pianist and orchestra administrator, Jo is now a decorative artist who gilds antique lace and crochet.

She works to commission, sells through galleries and exhibitions and collaborates with other designers. Jo trained in wood graining, marbling, gilding, specialist paint finishes and interior design and was awarded the City & Guilds Silver Medal for Excellence in 2000.

She taught in further education for 8 years on Art & Design National Diploma and Foundation courses then up-skilled at Central St Martin’s College of Art & Design developing her own practice.

She now divides her time as a designer/maker, lecturer and tutor running workshops for specialist groups.

Visit the Firstsite Café before or after TASAF Lecture Series session! 

Our cafés offer a wide selection of delicious snacks, cakes and light meals, along with hot and cold drinks which can be purchased to enjoy.

Find out more about our menus here 

*This price is the set fee paid by all members irrespective of the date they join the society.