Shaping Copper: Inside the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum

At the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, every tap of a hammer feels like part of a much bigger story — a quiet conversation between an artist and a sheet of copper. Tucked away in Château-Richer just outside Québec City, this workshop is the last place in North America still using the traditional repoussé technique (hammering the metal from the back) to create hand-embossed copper art. On the Charms of Québec tour, this stop becomes more than a sightseeing visit as you step into someone’s family legacy.

A Women-Led Legacy in Copper

The story starts almost 100 years ago with Albert Gilles, a French-born artisan who brought his copper-embossing skills to Canada in the 1930s. His work, from detailed liturgical pieces to ornate decorative panels, became known for their craftsmanship and storytelling.

Today, the workshop is run entirely by the women of the Gilles family. They aren’t just protecting Albert’s legacy — they’re expanding it. Watching them work, you immediately sense the pride, the history, and the creativity that runs through their family. Meeting them feels like being welcomed into a living tradition.

An Up-Close Look at a Rare Craft

Copper embossing isn’t a quick process. Using tiny specialized tools, the artist slowly shapes lines, textures, and even full scenes into what starts as a flat sheet of copper. Every detail is formed by hand and is incredibly rare in a world driven by automation.

On Charms of Québec, this stop has quickly become a favorite. Groups are small, no more than 24 people, which makes the demonstration feel much more personal. One of the Gilles women shows exactly how a design starts to appear in the metal, and you can truly appreciate the patience behind every finished piece. Visitors ask questions, hear family stories, and get the kind of behind-the-scenes look you never get in a typical museum.

A Gallery That Shines

After the demo, guests wander into the gallery, where everything gleams with that warm, unmistakable copper shine. Wall panels, jewelry, trays, boxes — each piece catches the light in its own way. Browsing is half the fun, and it’s no surprise that many people leave with something special. Some even fall in love with a larger artwork and happily arrange to have it shipped home.

A Lasting Impression

Holding a Gilles copper piece — whether it’s a small ornament or a bold wall panel — you feel more than just the weight of the metal. You feel the hours of work, the artistic lineage, and the tradition that started with Albert almost a century ago.

It’s a beautiful reminder that things made slowly and intentionally carry a meaning that lasts. And sometimes, the most memorable souvenirs aren’t just the things you bring home, but the stories and people who inspired them.

Experience the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum on Charms of Québec.