Beating Gold Leaf . The art of beating fine gold leaf was in existence 4,000 years ago and many of the treasures of luxor are decorated with magnificent specimens of the craft . today the art of gold leaf beating is brought to perfection by Messrs G.M. Whiley , Whitfield St. Tottenham CT RD, who have carried on the business for years . The Goldbeater sign mentioned by Pepys and Dickens. 29 January 1923