The Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts, is pleased to present a special virtual presentation by William Adair, a world-renowned expert in the technique of gold leafing frames.
Bill Adair will share a tour of his Gold Leaf Studios, showing highlights of the frame collection. He will then demonstrate the actual gilding process on a section of one of the frames that the studio is working on. Adair will also discuss and take questions about conservation ethics in the field.
Adair will give you the opportunity to become a “frame detective” yourself and will help you identify your family possessions. Frames can often leave clues about the origins of painting and photographs, especially when labels or inscriptions are found on the verso (the back of the frame). Each frame can reveal hidden truths long forgotten. Any frames are fair game! Time will also be available for participants to ask questions about their own frames.
William Adair is a frame conservator, frame historian, and master gilder. He began his career in frame conservation at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, where he became fascinated with gilding and the history of frames. In 1975, the Smithsonian awarded Adair a grant to travel to Europe to learn about tools and techniques from the few remaining master gilders working in the Renaissance tradition.
This virtual program is free.
Phone: 781-643-0554
Email: info@oldschwambmill.org
Additional time info:
Bill Adair will give you the opportunity to become a “frame detective” yourself and will help you identify your family possessions. Frames can often leave clues about the origins of painting and photographs, especially when labels or inscriptions are found on the verso (the back of the frame). Each frame can reveal hidden truths long forgotten. Any frames are fair game! Time will also be available for participants to ask questions about their own frames. If interested, you are asked to submit a clear picture of both the front and back of the frame online in jpeg format to the Old Schwamb Mill at info@oldschwambmill.org, attention Gold Leaf Studios.
2021/04/29 - 2021/04/29
Old Schwamb Mill
17 Mill Lane, Arlington, MA 02476
Free parking