Art of Islamic Pattern

Courses, Educational Tours & Resources

Discover how patterns of profound beauty and subtle complexity can be created from the simplest of means and develop practical skills in the arts and crafts of the Islamic world.

In these unique skills-based courses students use traditional methods to explore a range of classic Islamic designs and learn how to integrate freehand biomorphic motifs (Islimi/Arabesque) with geometric patterns. Students also have the opportunity to develop work using traditional techniques, including painting, gilding, ceramics, marquetry, stone and plaster carving. The practical work is supplemented by contextual slide lectures and the underlying symbolism of the forms is examined.

Art of Islamic Pattern was founded in 2008 by artists Richard Henry and Adam Williamson read more…

FAQs

For answers to frequently asked questions regarding our courses and study trips please click here for our page of frequently asked questions

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Latest

Islamic Art Biennale in Jeddah and open public workshops with the V&A Museum

Articles Aramco World Magazine exploring Patterns from around the world. These publications are accompanied by films exploring each pattern in detail. 

In The News

Our online classes were featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Live Online ~ Cordoba Biomorphs

Live Online ~ Cordoba Biomorphs

Over 2 sessions we will draw the biomorphic (arabesque) patterns from the famous Mezquita of Córdoba. 3-6pm UK Time 21st & 22nd December 2024

LONDON ~ Plaster carving Dec ’24

LONDON ~ Plaster carving Dec ’24

Plaster carved Rosette ~ London studios, 14&15th December 2024 Saturday & Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm

Cairo ~ Feb ’25

Cairo ~ Feb ’25

Visits to the famous medieval Sultan Hasan Mosque & Ibn Tulun Mosque. The course will take place at the historic UNESCO Bayt Yakan

Marrakech ~ April ’25

Marrakech ~ April ’25

Study trip to Marrakech, Morocco. 14th – 18th April 2025

LONDON ~ Lotus ~ Draw & carve, March ’25

LONDON ~ Lotus ~ Draw & carve, March ’25

LONDON ~ Lotus ~ Draw & carve, March '25 London studios, 22 & 23rd March 2025 Saturday & Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm

LONDON ~ Wood Marquetry ~ Dec ’24

LONDON ~ Wood Marquetry ~ Dec ’24

Weekend Wood Marquetry workshop, in our London studios. 7 & 8th December 2024

Fez, Morocco ~ April ’25

Fez, Morocco ~ April ’25

Study trip to Fez, Morocco. 21-25th April 2025

Istanbul ~ Sept ’25

Istanbul ~ Sept ’25

Classes within the exceptionally well-appointed 17th century Tekke in the heart of the historic area. 10th - 14th Sept 2025

Online Classes

Online Classes

All online class listed here

V&A Museum ~ Free workshop

V&A Museum ~ Free workshop

Take part in this families workshop and explore 3D shapes and structures! 11.00 – 16.00 Wednesday, 10 – Friday, 12 April 2024

India ~ Nov ’25

India ~ Nov ’25

Join us for an artist immersion into the otherworldly wonders of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. We will draw geometric and biomorphic ornamental pattern...