Weaving with light: The art of gilding

Set in the Oxfordshire countryside, our workshop and design studio is a living monument to British artistry, and the beauty of our craft lies in every detail. Gold-gilding is one of the many time-honoured techniques that reflects our commitment to craftsmanship.

Gilding is an endangered craft with a decreasing number of artisans who still command its alchemy of gold, light, and precision. In an age enthralled by speed, true gilding remains deliberate in its every gesture. Each leaf of gold is breathed into place by hand, its brilliance emerging through a ritual of patience, intuition, and inherited technique.

The authenticity, human touch, and unique essence of craftsmanship are irreplaceable. As the world’s gilders grow fewer, their work grows ever more precious, as a testament to the enduring radiance of traditions worth protecting.

At David Harber, we are proud to work with a highly skilled, third-generation gilder who, over years of dedication, has perfected this artisanal craft to keep the traditional technique and his family’s rich heritage alive. Each brushstroke of gold foil is applied by hand with care and precision, transforming our sculptural forms into objects that radiate warmth, richness, and timeless sophistication.

We asked Shawn about how he first started gold-gilding

“Gilding has been a part of my family heritage for three generations. My grandfather discovered the craft alongside running his carpentry business and then passed it down to my father. My father was a signwriter and I became fascinated with the way gold could elevate an object, making it something of true value. I had the privilege of learning on the job with my father and went on to work with him for thirty years, honing a tradition that feels as much inherited as it is learned.”

What do you enjoy about the process?

“The beauty of gilding is its power to subtly reshape how we experience an object. By highlighting its contours and textures, gilding serves as a finishing touch that enhances both form and material. Despite its fragility, it carries an unmistakable elegance. When the gold catches the sun and glows it’s a light that feels almost alive.

For a sculpture like Flo, it’s really about accentuating the form – just the edge and the centre piece – adding a subtle highlight that elevates the patination. The contrast against the patinated surface brings the work to life. Gold is wonderfully versatile; it can be applied to a wide range of materials and has a unique ability to reveal and enhance. Mantle II was the first piece I worked on when I started at David Harber. I love the way the gold accentuates the form and creates a magical effect both in the daytime when it catches the sunlight, and when it is illuminated at night.”