The Gilded Page: The History & Technique of Manuscript Gilding [Hardcover]

Kathleen P. Whitley (Author), Michelle P. Brown (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2000

Second edition; revised, with the addition of color plates and new information on ancient Egyptian Papyrus gilding. The Gilded Page traces the history of gilding from ancient Egypt and Babylon through Rome, the Near East, Mediæval and Renaissance Europe, and finally into the modern day studio. This is a must-have book for book artists and illuminators, explaining in detail the historical and modern techniques of manuscript gilding, along with recipes and helpful hints. Learn step-by-step methods of applying and burnishing gold, described in a sensible and easy-to-understand way. Learn about the tools, methods, and materials employed in flat, raised, and pattern gilding for manuscripts and paintings, along with historical mordants such as Gesso Sottile, Gum Ammoniac, Gum Arabic, and Garlic Juice; and modern mordants such as Acrylic Gesso and White Glue. This work is the most complete source available for detailed information on this ancient, obscure, and highly-prized craft. The Gilded Page is a valuable resource for conservationists and historians, as well as any artists interested in this ancient art form. Kathleen Whitley is formally trained as an artist, and has received international recognition for her artwork. Her research into gilding and illumination was primarily due to her personal interest in historical methods and techniques. She currently lives in New England with her husband and their three cats. Sales rights: Worldwide except in the UK; available in the UK from the British Library.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: Oak Knoll Press; 1st edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884718582
• ISBN-13: 978-1884718588
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,222,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Antiquarian & modern techniques of manuscript gilding, February 12, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gilded Page: The History & Technique of Manuscript Gilding (Hardcover)

For centuries artists and illuminators have applied gold to paper in order to decorate and adorn manuscripts. Professional manuscript restorer Kathleen Whitley's The Gilded Page: The History & Technique Of Manuscript Gilding explains in detail both the antiquarian and modern techniques of manuscript gilding including the tools, methods, and materials employed in flat, raised, and patterned gilding used on manuscripts and paintings. Impressively researched and written, we are authoritatively offered the step-by-step techniques of applying and burnishing gold in an immanently sensible and easy-to-understand text that is enhanced with dozens of rare illustrations drawn from The British Library, the British Museum, and other institutions, along with Whitley's own photographs and drawings. The Gilded Page is an enthusiastically recommended addition to any bibliophile reading list and reference collection.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Immanently useful..., November 11, 2002

By 

Judith Winner (Athens, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gilded Page: The History & Technique of Manuscript Gilding (Hardcover)

As someone who's hobby is re/creating illuminated manuscripts, I found this book to be a great help in getting me past the hurdle of attempting to do gilding on some of my own work. Ms. Whitley's no-nonsense approach, step-by-step instructions, examples and photographs of her gilding her own pieces helped me overcome my nervousness in dealing with gold leaf.

This book is a must for anyone wanting to 'leap the hurdle' and utilize gold leaf in their own manuscript illuminations. This book goes onto my 'working reference' shelf...it's not going to be collecting dust for quite some time.