About
In this class, we will create a book using traditional Islamic bookbinding techniques, featuring the iconic envelope flap that is characteristic of Islamic book design. You will learn how to bind a model book from scratch, including making endbands, and you will have the opportunity to create a fine leather cover. To make the cover, we will use techniques such as stamping, onlay, gold painting on leather, and leather tooling. The end result will be a book that you can hold in your hands and cherish. You can use it as a notebook, sketchbook, journal, or to showcase your miniature manuscript paintings.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What materials should I bring to class?
Students should bring:
- 1 pan of shell gold, any colour and carat
- Brushes: 1 x Rocks brush and 1 x Clouds brush
- Leather: There will be an extra fee for a piece of prepared, thinned leather. This is payable at the school, card payment only. We do not advise bringing your own leather as the leather is prepared by the tutor specifically for this course.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 24 – 28 November 2025, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
There are spaces for 10 students to attend this class.
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biographies
Patrik Prazmari
Patrik Prazmari is a traditionally trained master craftsman, having started his apprenticeship in leather at the age of 7, and has over 40 years experience in his craft. He works most often with leather, mixing it with woods, metals and other precious materials, employing casting, diamond setting and other fine jewellery techniques. He has worked with leather at all scales including upholstery and entire interiors, leather trunks and furniture as well as small leather accessories inlaid with diamonds and shagreen as well as Islamic books and portfolios. He lives and works in London.
Vaishali Prazmari is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates elements from various cultures including the Indo-Persian miniatures and Chinese painting of her heritages. Vaishali holds degrees from both the Slade School of Fine Art and the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts and holds an MA in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (UCL) specializing in floating islands. She studied Persian and Indian manuscript painting under various masters and during her MA at KFSTA and Chinese painting under a master in Hong Kong. Vaishali has been painting ever since she could get her chubby hands on a brush. Her work has been acquired in collections globally and she has exhibited nationally and internationally for nearly 20 years. She has been bringing traditional miniature painting to life for a wider audience as an educator for 10 years. Having been immersed in these ancient painting traditions as well as contemporary art she is now working towards a syncretic PhD at the Slade, an epic project that is a contemporary visual interpretation of the 1001 Arabian Nights. Born in London, she grew up on an island in Hong Kong and currently lives and works in London.
