Taught by Richard Henry, this introductory workshop is suitable for beginners, or those seeking to refresh their skills.

Patterns based upon 8-fold symmetry are found across the Islamic world and represent one of the three main families of symmetry in Islamic geometric art. In this workshop we will recreate a classic 8-fold rosette with a twist (!), as found in the summer palace of the Generalife gardens at the Alhambra in Granada (image above). Each participant will receive a video recording, and supporting material, including a PDF handout detailing the steps undertaken to re-create each pattern, so that students can re-create the design at home after the class. Although this can be taken as a stand-alone workshop, we will build upon themes introduced in earlier workshops in the Exploring 8-fold Symmetry Series, which can be downloaded from our archive. (Scroll through gallery in banner above to see images of historical 8-fold designs and former students’ work ).

REQUIRED equipment & materials

• A compass (recommended compass is the Rotring Master Bow)
• A ruler
• Cartridge paper, 3 sheets – A3 size ideally heavy weight (150gsm plus)
• Range of Pencils (6B-4H)
• Tracing paper
• Masking Tape
• Zero Eraser or equivalent
• Scissors
• Optional – Coloured pencils.
• Optional – Fine line drawing pens (useful to have, but not essential)