The Art of Gilding and Mirror Making with Shaun Phelan

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker, whose career began in 1996. Shaun explains the detailed craft of gilding, from preparing wood with layers of gesso to the flexibility of water gilding and the creation of burnished finishes. He shares how his work evolved from antique frames to convex mirrors, pigmented glass, and bespoke furniture.

Shaun talks about his early influences, the rise of social media in bringing new commercial commissions, and his collaborations with Asian factories that allow him to combine rare materials like onyx and amber into new designs. He reflects on balancing artistic creativity with commercial demand and the importance of innovation in keeping a centuries-old craft alive.

Key Topics Covered

• Shaun Phelan’s journey into gilding starting in 1996
• The process of water gilding and the role of gesso
• Transition from antique frames to convex and coloured mirrors
• Pigmented glass and experimenting with nitrate finishes
• The impact of Instagram on commercial success
• Collaborations with Asian factories on bespoke furniture and lighting
• Challenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial projects
• Using materials like onyx, amber onyx and alabaster in design
• Plans for expanding visibility through online platforms
• Advice for young makers on failure and resilience

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 – Robin introduces Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker

01:18 – Explaining gilding and the role of gesso layers

04:14 – Why Shaun prefers water gilding to oil gilding

05:39 – Childhood influences and fascination with antiques

06:47 – Moving from gilded frames into mirrors

09:03 – How Instagram brought new commercial work

12:47 – Partnering with Asian factories and bespoke production

18:06 – Returning to gilding for artists and commissions

21:16 – The creative process behind pigmented glass mirrors

26:14 – Expanding into furniture and lighting design

34:08 – The challenges of retail versus commercial focus

41:25 – Where Shaun’s mirrors fit best and why exclusivity matters

47:29 – Advice to his younger self about failure and resilience

49:00 – Finding Shaun online and the role of Instagram