Reparure: Gesso Engraving and Carving

2026 Society of Gilders Conference

2 full days   Wednesday – Thursday, June 17 – 18, 2026

Learn classical French réparure (gesso engraving and carving) on 17th century motifs, and how to execute them using the proper tools.

The student will learn about the evolution of Reparure, the different carving irons used, and how to hold them while working.  

How to engrave the traditional background 8 motifs used in the 17th century gilding:

• Berclay, LOUIS XIII
• Simple fool’s play Louis XIV (a diamond pattern evoking the pattern of Harlequin’s costume)
• Double fool’s play, Louis XIV
• Barley seeds « Grains d’orge » Louis XIII – XIV – Régence – Louis XV
• Curve pattern, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Régence, Louis XV, Louis XVI
• Straw pattern
• Amaties
• Damier pattern (a pattern evoking a checker board).

How to carve gesso : the curves and the “refends” (spaces within—and part of—the ornaments).

In order to practice the techniques taught in this course the student may choose one panel design based on their level of experience. 

Each panel will be prepared by Bruno in advance, with 12 layers of gesso on both sides, so that they are ready to work the engraving and carving in class.  

Panel option 1:   Harpsichord design 

A stucco cast ornament made from a restored harpsichord case of the Louis XV period (1723-1774))

Panel 2:   Carved Ornament Louis XV (more advanced)

Materials & Equipment

Student must bring

• Pencil, paper, carbon paper, tracing paper
• Sand paper 3M : 220, 400 one sheet of each
• A small metal spatula for refill

(we will make the gesso to refill, if you made a mistake)

Tools:  You will need special carving “irons” for this class 

Bring your own if you have them.  

You may order a set of 10 irons  

These irons are an investment in your craft: custom made and forged in France and supplied by Laverdure, Paris. Your set of Irons will be assembled and prepared by Bruno in his studio and shipped to the conference for you.  Please note that due to tariffs and the exchange, the cost of these tools is higher than usual.

Class Fee

March 1 – April 15 early members only:  $825.
April 16 – May 15  open/late registration :  $885

Maximum:    9 students
** Must be registered for conference to sign up for this class.

Materials Included: 

Premade gesso panel, gesso, and all other materials used in class

A USB key will be give with Watin’s book, photo and notes , and a film who show how to sharpen and maintain your tools

Tool Fee:   $685
A set of 10 Laverdure chisels prepared by Bruno and shipped to the conference.

If you have your own carving irons, bring them.

Instructor  

Bruno Toupry

BrunoToupry is the founder of Atelier du Nombre D’or in Paris.

He’s a master artisan as recognized by the City of Paris.  Over the years this specialized work blossomed into an expertise in creating luxuriously decorated surfaces of many kinds, from interior murals to harpsichord decoration. Bruno has been teaching for over 20 years and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation.

Agrément Mobilier Nationale — Médaille d’argent ville de Paris
Maitre artisan doreur a la feuille
Fournisseur officiel du Mobile National.