So what is manuscript gesso?

Gesso is a plaster based substance that is painted on to either paper or vellum. It is the consistency of single cream, slightly pink in colour and sets solid to form a raised dome. Gold leaf will stick to this and can be burnished so it’s wonderfully shiny.

Sadly, gesso can’t be bought in art shops or online – it has to be made by hand – and, traditionally at least, it contains lead which means, of course, that it’s poisonous. I make mine to an adapted fifteenth century recipe. Although there are more convenient, modern gilding sizes on the market none give the exquisite results acheivable with gesso.

I’ve been working with gesso for eight years and have taught hundreds of people across the world to gild. It’s a tricky skill to master, but so rewarding when it goes well!