About
Explore the less common tilings of the 10‑point stars found on the Mamluk minbar doors of Cairo. Each weekly session will focus on a specific tiling and the proportions behind a pattern family, followed by a drawing session for at least one pattern in that family. Between sessions, you’ll have time to explore variations on your own. By the end of the course, you will understand why the stars in these rarer patterns are spaced the way they are and what determines their proportions. In total, we will look at around 20 patterns.
This course is about seeing and understanding the underlying structure of a family of Mamluk patterns—specifically, understanding both the tiling and the proportions that define them.
Although it is a drawing course, it is really a course about the “why.” We will spend a significant amount of time looking at how tilings guide the layout, shape what we draw, and influence what we see in the final pattern. You’ll be encouraged to explore the tilings and proportions further on your own to see how this understanding broadens the possibilities of pattern design. I will be available throughout the course for any questions.
Each Friday session introduces a new tiling from the 10‑point star pattern family. We will examine the tiling, discuss its proportions, and draw at least one example. The week between sessions is your chance to build on that understanding and try the other patterns in the family.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
This course is for intermediate to advanced students. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
40 places are available
What dates/times do I attend?
This workshop will run on Fridays, 10, 24 and 31 July, and 7 August 2026, 15:00 – 18:00.
Times are given in British Summer Time (GMT+1).
What materials do I need?
- Pencils: H and 3H
- A straight edge, at least 450 mm
- Sharpener, eraser, sandpaper (or nail file) to sharpen compass lead
- A3 drawing paper, bristol paper is ideal
- A compass, opening to at least 150mm such as this one.
- Dividers, opening to at least six inches/150 mm
- A beam compass can be very helpful when working on A3 paper. If you do not have one, a compass with an extension bar will work; however, beam compasses are more accurate when drawing larger circles.
- A copy needle (see video). Most drafting tool companies have stopped manufacturing these, so you can search for a used/vintage one or create one using a needle and pin vice.
Online Learning
How do I attend the online class?
This class will take place on Zoom, an online meeting platform. A link for joining the Zoom meeting will be sent before the start date.
Handouts and recordings of sessions will be made available via Thinkific, our online learning platform, for a period of 3 months after the end of the workshop.
What if I have questions during the workshop?
Students will be able to ask questions via chat or unmuting themselves. Students will also have access to our online learning platform, Thinkific, where we share supplementary content.
I live in a different time zone, can I still attend?
We encourage you to attend the course in real time to really benefit from instruction; however, if you are unable to attend live due to the difference in time you can catch up via recordings on our online learning platform, Thinkific. These recordings are available for a limited time after the course.
Recordings cannot be purchased separately if the course is fully booked or if the course has already started.
Tips:
You must download the Zoom app and create a free account before the class begins, so that you can use the full range of features:
- You can create your free account here
- You can download the Zoom app onto your computer or device here
- You can create your free account here
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.
What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
No refunds, unless cancelled by the School. If you cancel up to 1 week before the workshop starts, we can offer a transfer to another workshop of equivalent value, subject to availability.
Tutor Biography
Alan Adams retired in 2008 to pursue a lifelong interest in understanding the structure of Islamic geometric art, particularly the stunning executions in wood of the Mamluks. A grounding in technical drawing from years as a draftsman, before the introduction of CAD, and a career as a scientist served as a foundation for a self-taught path. As an independent learner, he quickly realised there was no solid introductory text to guide newcomers. In response, he created a community Facebook page in February 2014 to share knowledge, questions, and discoveries—both his own and those of the thousands of members who have joined since. Contributions from experts and beginners alike have made it a lively and valuable forum. Members frequently exchange drawing tips, answers to specific technical questions, and discussions of the geometric foundations of Islamic designs. The ideal end of Alan’s journey would be to master the Mamluk art of wooden panel construction in intricate pattern and to describe it in an English language publication.
