Gilding and Conservation of Gilded SurfacesLaajuus (5 ECTS)

Objective

On completion of the course, the student will know of medieval and newer written material on gilding. The student will have a good command of the historically used and present day materials, tools and methods of gilding and the surface decoration of gilt objects. The student will be familiar with various surface decoration techniques and materials used with various types of objects.
The student will be able to use basic gilding and surface decoration techniques used during different periods on objects of art, and understand old and new gilding techniques and materials. The student will be able to apply these techniques the conservation of gilded and surface decorated artefacts.
The student will be familiar with the deterioration mechanisms of gilded objects, as well as of objects with other types of surface decoration, including picture frames, and be familiar with the materials and methods used in conservation and restoration of such objects.

Content

This course covers topics such as traditional gilding methods; water gilding, oil gilding and silvering and the use of other leaf metals. The student practices these methods through various assignments.
Medieval methods and decoration techniques used in Southern and Northern Europe (sgraffito decoration, repousse-technique, engraving, punching, Pressbrocade), the pigments typical of the era. More modern surface decoration materials and techniques smaller modules.
Practical assignments based on copying medieval works of art as well as later surface decoration on various objects (paintings, altarpieces, polychrome sculptures, frames, furniture).
Cleaning, making copies of missing decorative parts, filling and various retouching and patination methods, including the use of original gilding methods with various leaf metals.
Objects will be documented according to the department´s documentation requirements which include the material analysis of the objects.

Qualifications

Non.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part in all teaching sessions and projects and his/her activity on the course has been good. The student acts flexibly as a group member.
The studies have proceeded consistently. The student is able to understand the basic topics of the course and is able to apply the theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning of the rehearsal tasks is valid and the student understands the causes and effects of one's choices in the tasks.
The student works independently but there is still some need for further guidance from the teacher. The student has given enough attention for the subject and has an overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the course objectives fully. The student has taken actively and constructively part in the teaching and the project. The student’s actions enhance the group activities.
The student masters the topics of the course and its prerequisites, and is able to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is professional and the student can validate the causes and effects of his/her choices.
The student works independently. The student masters the overall subject in both theory and practice.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.