About Us
Roger Newton
Master Gilder
Roger Newton began his training in 1955 at the famous studio of Colefax and Fowler. There he learned from experts the art of furniture decoration and had the opportunity to work on pieces from the finest houses, for both private clients and The National Trust.
In 1961, Roger opened his own workshop, specialising in furniture painting, gilding and lacquering. The workshop, on London’s iconic Kings Road, quickly established a wide reputation for its high-quality work.
In 1982, he opened on Guernsey a school running intensive courses specifically for furniture painting and gilding. In 2021, the school moved to Shropshire, where Roger now teaches four day live-out courses (for those in the area) or bespoke residential courses for groups of people coming from further afield.
Photo credit: Andrew Montgomery for Country Living Magazine
Under Roger’s personal supervision, students receive intensive training in these crafts and develop a sound basis from which to work for their own enjoyment or start a new career. Students leave full of enthusiasm, eager to tackle these new techniques. No prior experience is necessary, simply a willingness to learn.
Kate Elwell
The youngest of Roger’s children, Kate was brought up in Roger’s studio and started helping her father with paint effects as soon as she could hold a paintbrush.
After graduating from Edinburgh University, her career took her to the City, where she practised Financial PR for some of the top FTSE 100 companies and later worked in the Sultan of Oman’s Private Office in London. But in her downtime, she still retreated to her Father’s studio to unwind.
Recently, Kate gave up London life to focus on what she loves and realise a joint dream: launching ‘Master the Art: Roger Newton and Daughter School of Decorative Finishes’ from her beautiful Georgian home in Leighton, Shropshire.