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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Kevinshouse on Thursday 03 September 09 10:12 BST (UK)

Title: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: Kevinshouse on Thursday 03 September 09 10:12 BST (UK)
I have recently found out that one of my husbands ancestors was a goldbeater, could anyone tell me what exactly this man would have done? 
Kind regards Susan
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: madpants on Thursday 03 September 09 10:16 BST (UK)
goldbeater, gold-beater -- (an Artisan1.) Craftsman, artisan, journeyman, artificer -- (a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft)

artisan who beats gold into gold leaf)

Quote
The ancient occupation of the "Gold Beater" was one who flattened out gold nuggets by hammering them in between the outside membrane of the large intestine from an Ox (known as Goldbeater skin) to produce the gold leaf used in decorative gilding. The adhesive used to attach this metal to paper or plaster, in ancient times and still today, is... egg whites!
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: Kevinshouse on Thursday 03 September 09 10:21 BST (UK)
Thank you so much for your reply madpants it seems like this was quite a skilled job.
Kind regards Susan
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: nameless on Thursday 03 September 09 10:51 BST (UK)
I have a feeling that someone on WDYTYA had an ancestor who did that.  Sorry can't remember who it was.    They had to be well-trusted because of the value and I think they joined a guild.  Perhaps there would be more information on guild records?
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: Steve G on Thursday 03 September 09 19:06 BST (UK)
Would that be the " Guild of Gold Gilders " ?

Sorry. I'll close the door on my way out .....  ;D
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: nameless on Thursday 03 September 09 22:25 BST (UK)
Quote from: Steve G on Thursday 03 September 09 19:06 BST (UK)
Would that be the " Guild of Gold Gilders " ?

Sorry. I'll close the door on my way out .....  ;D


Tongue twister?

I think it was Patsy Kensitt's ancestor.

Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: jams on Monday 14 September 09 04:14 BST (UK)
Patsy and my 5th great granfather. There is a place you can go and look up letters from guild. Can't think of it right now.
Title: Re: What did a goldbeater do?
Post by: Kevinshouse on Monday 14 September 09 20:21 BST (UK)
A big thank you to all who replied to my request.  It seems as if a goldbeater was a highly skillful occupation.
Kind regards Susan