About
Paint the Conference of the Birds, Mantiq al-tair, a miniature depicting Attar’s allegory for the search for the divine. In this miniature, a multitude of birds gather in a parliament – full of colourful feathers, these birds are a feast for the eyes.
They embark on a search for their King, the Simurgh. It is only after travelling through the valleys of Love, Knowledge, Detachment, Unity, Wonderment, Poverty and Annihilation that they realise they themselves make up the ‘Simurgh’ (literally, ‘thirty birds’).
There are several extant miniatures from which we will be inspired. We will spend time on the composition of your own pieces, or you can recreate an existing manuscript. Consideration will be given to the balance of proportion and feather colours in our pieces.
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 days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 8 – 12 June 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many people can attend?
14 places are available.
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.
What should I bring to class?
- TBC
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.
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 Biography
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 PSTA 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.
