The ancient craft of gold beating

Abstract

Transferable gold coatings, the manufacture and application of which were reviewed in Gold Bulletin a year ago, are now widely used for decorative purposes. True beaten gold leaf, however, remains the material of choice for prestige gilding in which durability is called for. Gold beating by hand has been practised for some five thousand years and the exponents of this ancient craft, to whom 'address is requisite', are justifiably proud of the traditions associated with it. © 1979 World Gold Council.