Learn first hand from master craftsman David Smith
I regularly hold in person Signwriting & Gold leaf workshops at my studios in Torquay, Devon. I have been teaching this craft since 1995 and to date have taught over 3500 students around the world.
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What can I learn in these in-person workshops?
A Gold Leaf workshop will teach you the art of reverse signwriting, and are to my knowledge the only place where you can cover ALL of the required disciplines to execute an authentic “Victorian” reverse glass sign.
You will leave the studio with a full palette of almost magical glass recipes, fully equipped to continue and develop this wonderful art form. As well as a beautiful gilded glass sign that you will create on the course.
You can choose to attend as part of a small group of no more than 4 for a beginners (2 day), advanced (4 day) or bespoke 1 to 1 course.
An example of some of the students and their completed artworks who have been on the course.
These gold leaf workshops will include the following processes:
- Decorative Paint Effects
- Brilliant Cutting to add details to letter centres and corners of panels.
- Abalone & Mother of Pearl application
- Damar Varnish textures
- Brush blended Shades
- Gold Leaf blending in oil size and also water size gilding
- Screen Printing
- Pictorial painting
- Glazes and Mica effects
- Etching in various textures
- Signwriting
- Blended shadows both brush and finger blending
- Stippling
- Ashaltum Glazes
The skills and techniques that I've learned in Dave's gold leaf workshops have empowered me to go out confidently into the world and craft long lasting, high quality signs. Ever genorous with his time and knowledge, the experience is 100% invaluable!
- Jack Hollands, London, England
An example of some of the students and their completed artworks who have been on the course.
The Headland Hotel which also has Hydro Spa facility.
A true master of his craft! Dave has an incredible depth of knowledge and an amazing skill set. It's rare in this day and age to find someone with such a skill set that crosses multi design disciplines and who's down to earth and willing to share his secrets.It's inspiring to watch his passion for the craft and highly recommend the course! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity
- Will Lynes, Sydney, Australia
Accomodation & Refreshments
Accommodation is not included .
Torquay, like all holiday destinations has some great hotels and Guest houses to choose from, many of which are in walking distance of my studio.
Message me for a list of hotel choices and reccomendations in the area.
Lunch will be provided (Please advise in advance of any food allergies) Vegetarian or Vegan option can also be offered. Teas, coffees, cold drinks (and plenty of biscuits!) are offered all day on the class. I will share a list with you of some great places to eat out in the evenings 😉
Support with funding
There is fantastic support from a number of amazing organisations. QEST and the Heritage Crafts supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships and one-to-one training with a master craftsperson; helping to support Britain’s cultural heritage and sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts.
A bit about your tutor
I’m a Signwriter, glass gilder and designer based in Torquay, Devon. I began my Signwriting and lettering career at the age of 15, learning from 3 masters of their trade.
I completed a six year Apprenticeship, which led me to meet many talented people within the Letterhead movement in the USA and around the world.
In 1996 I decided to start teaching my gold leaf workshops to other like-minded artists this unique art form. Over the years and with the advance of the internet, my work was introduced to many people. I have created many gilded glass signs and ephemera vintage designs for high-end clients and my work has been showcased in many newspapers, international magazines and films.
My most recent large piece was the culmination of years of dedication, an ornate set of reverse glass signs and carved frames for the world famous barber shop Ludlow and Blunt based in Brooklyn, USA.
Many other clients large and small followed and to this day I still enjoy lettering onsite at shopfronts and pubs here in Torbay. It was a huge honour in 2019 to be awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth ll.
You can see a list of clients I have worked with and read the full story here.
I feel very privileged to have attended a Dave Smith workshop and learned from the master craftsman himself. An excellent teacher of glass work gilding with a fun sense of humour!
- Paul Walters
In-Person and Online Glass Gilding Workshops for Beginners and Advanced students 2026
I have decided to teach three Glass Gilding classes this year after many people enquiring about these courses.
Before I take you through what you will learn on the In-Person workshop I would like to make you aware of my Online Classes as these have helped and continue to help so many students around the world. All the footage has been filmed as if I were with you in your own studio or home making it feel just like an In-Person experience. You are taught so many techniques on these classes and will be shown how to gild the glass correctly. The classes have been filmed beautifully to capture all the details to make you a proper high end Glass Gilder once finished. They are for beginners to advanced artists or anyone looking to learn this craft. For more information go to my Home Screen and click on Online Classes. I promise you wont be disappointed ,you’ll love the online experience !
Beginners/Advanced Gold leaf workshop
3 Day Glass Gilding Workshops 2026 . May 21st – 22nd – 23rd / June 4th – 5th – 6th / October 29th – 30th – 31st
During these three days you will learn the traditional hand brush skills of painting letters in reverse on gold leaf.
You will be making 3 beautiful gilded letters and learning many techniques throughout these 3 days.
This course is suitable for any level of artistic ability, from beginner to experienced artist. Class sizes will be small in number to ensure that full attention is given to each student.
We’ll be covering the following processes:
- Water Gilding (traditional gilding tip and cushion method, other application techniques are included)
- Oil Gilding
- Sign writing in reverse
- Glass edge scalloping
- Brush control
- Gold leaf blending ,water and oil (matt) finishes
- Colour combinations
- Mother of Pearl inlays
- shading
- blending
- Screen Printing
- and more…
You will be taking home 3 beautiful Victorian glass gilded letters.
- Glass, Goldleaf ,mother-of-pearl, paint, gilding tools and brushes will be provided, but if you would prefer to bring your own brushes and gilding tools you are welcome to!
I look forward to teaching you this amazing craft at one of my In-Person or Online classes throughout 2026.
You can contact me directly here for all the workshop information regarding both classes.
Bespoke / 1 to 1 Workshop
Perfect for Corporate Groups
If you would like to do a 1 to 1 session then that can be arranged too, although it is more expensive, these sessions are often beneficial for those who need specific training or guidance.
I also do corporate days, and have created run sessions for various ability levels for likes of Disney & Facebook.
A corporate session I ran with Facebook
Can I do an online course?
Yes, I know how difficult (and expensive) it can be to find the time, travel and learn a new craft over several days so I have created a very affordable online class. You can find out about those here.
The Advanced Workshop Online is very similar to the 5 day workshops I have taught over the years, I will be right with you all the way, the videos are filmed in real-time, and include explanations and commentary throughout. In total, you will receive over 50 hours of online gilding tutorials you can come back to time and time again.
From time to time I will do discounts and competitions, if you want to hear about those the best way is to subscribe to my mailing list below.
High value insights gained that were so much more than expected and have had an immediate impact on my business.
- Scott Martin , Canada
An example of some of the students and their completed artworks who have been on the course.
You're a serious wealth of knowledge and it's amazing that your willing to share it so generously.
- Craig Brown
Help keep the craft alive
Passion. Excitement. Curiosity. Creative pursuits require fearless endeavours.
I am a student of the craft, helping others create new careers for themselves or pass nameless hours for their own joy. I can speak from both camps and continue to devote every waking second to the trade.
From conception to pencil drawing then the endless techniques of glass decoration that I have researched over the last 39 years, I love what I do with a passion.
#keepthecraftalive
Frequently Asked Questions
The course is currently competitively priced at £795, much cheaper than the investment to attend an in-person course.
The course is entirely at your own pace, once you have enrolled you can watch and rewatch, taking it a step at a time.
For as long as you want. This one-off payment means the course will be here whenever you need it.
This is an entry-level course that starts with advice on how to set up your workspace, buy the right kit and begin to learn your new trade. We have downloadable templates for designs along the way, you don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and time to hone your skills.
