Gilding: Mediums, Mordants & Techniques

This is an ongoing project as I learn gilding techniques and better comprehend their application. As part of my own experimentation I have used supports that I am likely to use in a real application, 230gm pergamenata and 100lb Strathmore Bristol Vellum. My intent is to also make a similar test page on parchment when I get the chance. I am testing both modern and period mordants and paints.

There are sources detailing how to make period mordants for gilding, most common of which is Cennini’s Il Libro dell' Arte. My intent is to experiment with the various recipes so that I can make my own batches from scratch, however, since I wanted instant gratification I have so far been using mordants purchased from others.

Updated December 2012: Added information regarding my initial use of purchased gesso. 
Updated October 2012: Added initial thoughts on garlic/glair mixture.
Updated August 2012: Added my findings regarding initial tests of an acrylic-based modern gesso.
Updated July 2012: Minor edits.
Updated May 2012: Added early findings regarding the use of a fish-glue / water mixture, and also Kolner Miniatum.
Updated Dec 2011: Added photographs and re-edited body with more up-to-date information.

Making & Storing Glair

Various dictionary definitions describe it as "a sizing liquid made from egg white". It can be used as both a binder for paint pigment and, much to my surprise, as a size for laying down gold leaf.1

Alesone Gray of Cranlegh (Court Barony)

Court Baroness (Backlog)
Last Court of Lucan & Jana, Fall Coronation 2011
Originally Awarded October 1, 2011 AS XLVI (46)

Mika Longbow (Sagittarius)

Order of the Sagittarius (Backlog)
Pennsic 38
Originally Awarded August 6, 2009 - AS XLIV (44)

Aislinn Chiabach (Silver Crescent)

Order of the Silver Crescent
100 Minutes War
Awarded November 19, 2011  AS XLVI (46)

Silver Crescent for Aislinn Chiabach

Brid nic Shearless (Sapphire)

Order of the Sapphire
Bjorn’s Ceilidh
Awarded November 12 2011, AS XLVI (46)

Order of the Sapphire (Concordia) for Mistress Brid nic Shearless

Pikestaff Cover (Novemeber 2011)

I was asked by the East Kingdom Chronicler if I would be interested in producing the cover for the November issue of the Pikestaff newsletter. The Fall Crown Tournament is being held November 5th, which gave me perfect inspiration for the piece shown below.

Pikestaff, November 2011 cover.

Mhari Brewbane (Troubadour)

Order of the Troubadour
Pennsic 40
Awarded August 2011, AS XLVI (46)

Sarra Elisabeth Graehem (Court Barony)

Court Baroness (Backlog)
Ruantallan Baronial Investiture
Awarded August 29, 2009, AS XLIII (43)

Leonhard Schuwert (Silver Crescent)

Order of the Silver Crescent
Pennsic 40
Awarded August 2011, AS XLVI (46)

Winner of the Mudthaw Baking Competition

Awarded at Mudthaw 2011

Seems like many moons ago, but I was specifically asked if I would produce an award for this competition and I was happy to oblige.

March 9, 2011: I actually accepted this assignment back last year and have only given it a little thought so far. The words have been kindly written by a close friend and its pretty much ready to be produced. I'm hoping to get it done this coming weekend.

March 19 & 20, 2011: Spent the weekend cranking this scroll out, not that there was vast amounts of persnickety bits. I'm actually very pleased with it as it was the first piece I've completed by prepping the perg. surface with pounce. I'm pleased to anounce that there were no oily spots and the (commercial) paint is firmly attached to the page with no signs of cracking!

Winner of the Mudthaw Baking Competition

Details:
Calligraphy & Illumination by Isabel Chamberlaine

Paper: Heavyweight Pergamenata, 230gsm.
Materials: Iron gall ink, Windsor & Newton gouache in various colours, Holbein gouache in gold.

Scroll ID: Isabel C XIV
Completed March 20, 2011 (A.S.45)

Ose Silverhair (Sapphire)

Order of the Sapphire
Pennsic 40
Awarded August 2011 - AS XLVI (46)

Aoife inghean Conchobair (Sapphire)

Order of the Sapphire
War of the Roses, 2011
Awarded May 29, 2011 (A.S. XLVI - 46) 

Jean Paul Ducasse (Order of the Silver Crescent)

Order of the Silver Crescent
Twelfth Night
Awarded January 15, 2011 AS 45 (XLV) 

Sean of Carillion (Award of Arms)

Award of Arms
Southern Region War Camp, Barony of Carillion
Awarded April 30, 2011 AS XLV (45) 

Shadiyah al-Zahra' (Order of the Maunche)

Order of the Maunche
Barony of L'iIe du Dragon Dormant Investiture Anniversary
Awarded March 5, 2011 AS 45 (XLV) 

Sir Koga Yoshitsune (Diamond)

Order of the Diamond (Concordia)
War of the Roses, 2011
Awarded May 29, 2011 (A.S. XLVI - 46)