When was the last time you made something with your own hands and lost track of time? Gold leaf gilding is a technique that requires calm and slowness, which naturally invites and leads you to be present in the moment. Above all, applying gold leaf requires us to be in the present moment, and in that act, something within us reconnects – and that is the true magic.
It's not meditation; it's not therapy; it's simply what happens when your hands work in sync with your mind on something beautiful and precious.
In a contemporary artisan atelier in the heart of Venice, just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, you will learn the ancient art of gold leaf gilding from Stefania Dei Rossi, an artist and artisan who has been practising it every day for over 10 years.
This is not a demonstration, a pre-packaged kit, or a workshop you can find anywhere. This is an authentic class, where you will learn the technique, apply it with your own hands, and return home with a wonderful memory and a unique creation that says something about you.
We will begin with a brief historical introduction to gilding, gold leaf, and its place in the city of Venice, which for centuries was the European capital of this art form. You will learn where gold leaf comes from, how it is worked, and what makes this craft so ancient and yet so relevant today.
Then we'll get right to the heart of the matter. Stefania will guide you through each step, but everyone will progress at their own pace, because the goal is not technical perfection, but to rediscover the pleasure of creating something with your own hands.
You won't just take home a creation from the atelier. In fact, you will also learn the basics of a technique that you can continue to develop. If you develop a passion for gilding, you will be able to continue learning on your own thanks to a complete kit containing the same tools used in the workshop and three prints ready to be gilded.
The class will conclude with an aperitif in the atelier: a glass of Prosecco and some snacks, surrounded by the atmosphere of a genuine Venetian artisan workshop, amidst work in progress and bathed in the light reflected on the gold leaf.
The workshop will last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Materials are included, as is the closing aperitif. Only a few spots are available by design: a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 participants per session, because Stefania makes it a point to be able to give each participant the attention they deserve.
