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 CoveredShaun Phelan’s journey into gilding starting in 1996The process of water gilding and the role of gessoTransition from antique frames to convex and coloured mirrorsPigmented glass and experimenting with nitrate finishesThe impact of Instagram on commercial successCollaborations with Asian factories on bespoke furniture and lightingChallenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial projectsUsing materials like onyx, amber onyx and alabaster in designPlans for expanding visibility through online platformsAdvice for young makers on failure and resilienceEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.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.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Robin introduces Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker01:18 – Explaining gilding and the role of gesso layers04:14 – Why Shaun prefers water gilding to oil gilding05:39 – Childhood influences and fascination with antiques06:47 – Moving from gilded frames into mirrors09:03 – How Instagram brought new commercial work12:47 – Partnering with Asian factories and bespoke production18:06 – Returning to gilding for artists and commissions21:16 – The creative process behind pigmented glass mirrors26:14 – Expanding into furniture and lighting design34:08 – The challenges of retail versus commercial focus41:25 – Where Shaun’s mirrors fit best and why exclusivity matters47:29 – Advice to his younger self about failure and resilience49:00 – Finding Shaun online and the role of Instagram