Gilding and Framing with Sylvie
  • Louviers, France
  • 15 hours over 3 days

Gilding and Framing with Sylvie

Learn exquisite framing and gold leaf gilding techniques in the historical town of Louviers from master artist Sylvie, awarded the status of one of the best craftsperson in France.
  • Lunch, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea

Pricing

One Guest
USD $1290
Additional guest(s) (max 4)
USD $640

Accommodation

One Guest
USD $315
Additional guest(s)
FREE

Meet the Artist

Sylvie is an art framer, gilder and restorer who has been awarded the status of Meilleur Ouvrier de France by highest traditional French guild of handcrafters. Dedicated to crafting everything by hand, she applies her water gilding, mordant gilding, and reverse glass gilding expertise to a variety of frames, furniture, and exquisite clocks. She conserves old documents and images using special framing techniques from the 18th century like "lavis" and "Mariette". When you visit, you'll be struck by her passion to pass on her knowledge and ancestral techniques so that others can discover the beauty of gold leaf.

VAWAA Includes:

  • Learning the process of water gilding, mordant gilding, reverse glass gilding, conservation framing process or special framing techniques.
  • For water gilding process, learn how to prepare, size and prime raw wood.
  • Learn basic techniques of applying the layer of clay bole and laying the gold leaf.
  • Practice indentation techniques of "matage" and burnishing skills to smooth the surface.
  • Option to learn oil-based mordant gilding or reverse glass gilding process, including creation of ornaments or lettering (available when duration is extended to 5 days).
  • Option to learn conservation framing process for documents.
  • Option to learn special framing techniques used in the 18th century like lavish (old margins with watercolor and walnut stain) or special assembly "Mariette".
  • Option to learn French and English beveling techniques.
  • Your own gilded frame.
  • Visiting the Louviers museum, the church and the cloister of the penitents.
  • Option to swim in the super aquatic complex, sliding in the rink or watching a movie at the cinema.

Stay at Sylvie's

Stay only a short walk away from the studio, in your own private studio apartment, with a comfortable double bed and sofa bed. The charming town of Louviers has outdoor markets and gorgeous architecture to discover.

Explore Louviers

Located in Normandy, Louviers is in a region full of history with many world-renowned sites. In fact, Sylvie's atelier has history, too, with 70 years of craftsmanship at the service of the city and region — from bricklayer, roofer, locksmith and now framing and gilding. In the heart of Louviers, find the stunning church of Notre-Dame de Louviers. Try the numerous regional foods with the best known of all, camembert cheese. Explore the nearby natural park "Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande" with peaceful and beautiful landscapes.

Additional Details

The region of Normandy is interesting to visit year round. Spring and summer, from March to September, are particularly pleasant months.

This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, up to 5 days. Please ask when you send your booking request.

Can also be adapted to children, elders, and people with reduced mobility.
Sylvie's Availability 3 days

Guest Reviews

1
  • Julia R., United States

    Learning from Sylvie was an incredible experience. Sylvie is a master and an artist. I enjoyed every second of her teaching. Her instructions were clear and the environment is professional, and welcoming. It is truly a privilege to be In her working and organized studio. I will sign up again and again with Sylvie to advance my work. The Best!
    A huge thank you to Sylvie & Laurent (Happy Officer!)
    Read more