Society of Gilders 2013 Conference

Photo courtesy of Dr. Francis Lestingi.

In conjunction with the Louisiana State Museum, the Society of Gilders  (SOG) will host their 2013 conference in New Orleans, LA from October 20 to the 26th, 2013. If you are a gilder, or interested in learning about gilding, this is an opportunity to join other skilled craftsmen for a week-long celebration of the gilding arts.

In addition to hosting lectures and social events, the SOG conference conducts classes in:

• Traditional Water Gilding
• Oil Gilding
• Toning
• Verre Eglomise
• Manuscript Illumination
• Glass Gilding/Signage
• Book Edge Gilding
• Panel and Furniture Gilding
• Frame Restoration

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Francis Lestingi

During the week-long conference, the Society of Gilders will participate in community projects, including continuing work on frames at the Louisiana State Museum and the completion of their 5-year commitment to restoration of gilding at St. Alphonsus Church.

St. Alphonsus Church, built prior to the Civil War, was severely damaged  during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Buildings, the church was  originally decorated by European artists and craftsmen. Since the disaster, the Society of Gilders (SOG) has contributed their time and talent to restore the church.

The Society of Gilders is an international non-profit organization. It is dedicated to the practice and preservation of the art of using gold and metal leaf. It provides technical assistance for gilders in the fields of architecture, fine art, framing, illumination, restoration, and signage.

For more information about the 2013 Society of Gilders conference, visit the SOG website at www.societyofgilders.org.