Artisan's Revival: One Man's Mission to Resuscitate a Vanishing Craft and Engender a Worldwide Network
In a world underpinned by expediency, Norwich native Paul Chamberlain, who goes by the moniker The Happy Gilder online, has transformed his passion for glass gilding into a flourishing business and a burgeoning global community. Paul employs traditional Victorian methods to create breathtaking glass signs and mirrors, reviving a craft that had been on the brink of extinction.
As a consequence of lockdown driving him to a desk job, the creative spark within Paul was stifled. With years of experience in the creative sector, he longed for a hands-on outlet. He rediscovered his old pastime: glass gilding, a technique that was once ubiquitous in creating intricate, hand-painted glass signs. This rekindled passion also saw him teaching others around the globe via YouTube. His Happy Gilder YouTube channel houses over 100 videos that teach the almost-extinct art of reverse glass gilding and etching.
Resuscitating a Critically Endangered Craft
Glass gilding had been rendering itself obsolete due to the proliferation of cheaper alternatives like vinyl and plastic, which have replaced traditional, handmade signs. Consequently, Victorian glasswork found itself on the brink of extinction. However, a grant from Heritage Crafts, which Paul received, played a crucial role in moving the craft from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered' on the official list. With pride in his voice, Paul stated, "I have contributed to the effort in taking it from a critically endangered craft to an endangered one."
One of Paul's most awe-inspiring achievements was crafting a bespoke glass piece for the Tower of London. This extraordinary artwork, featuring the iconic Yeoman Warder symbol and decorated with five shades of gold leaf, became a token of gratitude for the Beefeaters following a memorable tour and an evening spent at the exclusive pub, The Keys. On the experience, Paul reflected, "Constructing something so enchanting as a tribute to those who hosted us was an incredible sensation."
Forging a Global Network
Through his YouTube channel and an active Facebook group, Paul doesn't just teach his followers but is also behind the creation of a global network of enthusiasts. Many of his followers have joined his Facebook group after learning about the craft through his channel, sharing their own work, and exchanging ideas. For Paul, witnessing others take an interest in the art form has been incredibly gratifying, remarking, "The number of people who have joined the Facebook group and shared their creations, who hadn't known about the craft before, is something I'm very proud of."
A Hobby-driven Venture
Although Paul has launched a successful business, Happy Gilder remains a venture fueled by passion. He explains, "I feel fulfilled only when I'm creating something. Running a business that merges my passion with teaching others is unparalleled." His dedication to the craft shines through, both in the exceptional work he produces and in his commitment to preserving the art form for future generations.
Whether you're an artist, a historian, or simply intrigued, Paul's work serves as a testament to the power of passion in preserving the past and inspiring an international audience.
To support Paul's mission to preserve glass gilding, please check out his YouTube channel.We are always on the hunt for inspiring stories deserving of wider recognition. If you know someone whose story should be celebrated, please get in touch with us!
- Paul's work in glass gilding, showcased on his YouTube channel and Facebook group, has breathed new life into a critically endangered craft, such as fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and education-and-self-development, as it fosters personal growth and learning opportunities for members of a global community.
- The success of Happy Gilder, a hobby-driven business led by Paul, demonstrates the potential impact of passion and dedication on preserving traditional practices in various domains, including food-and-drink, lifestyle, and personal-growth.
- By teaching the almost-extinct art of reverse glass gilding and etching through his videos and engaging with his followers through a Facebook group, Paul encourages others to embrace creative learning and fosters a shared love for reviving forgotten crafts, sparking inspiration in the realms of learning, home-and-garden, and art.
