About
In the 16th century, Mughal emperors brought artists from Persia to the Indian subcontinent, helping to develop the distinctive Mughal style of art. Renowned for their refinement and intricate detail, Mughal miniature paintings celebrate the beauty of nature and continue to captivate viewers today.
Drawing inspiration from Mughal flower albums featuring a rich variety of blooms, students will begin by creating their own handmade vasli paper and learning traditional techniques such as staining, sizing, gluing, and burnishing.
The second stage focuses on developing a floral composition and transferring it onto vasli paper. Students will then practise inking, colour flooding, blending, and pardoz (shading) using natural pigments prepared in class. The course concludes with the addition of a decorative border to complete the painting.
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, 7 – 11 December 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
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?
Please bring:
- pointed round watercolour brushes – your tutor suggests sizes 00, 0, 2, 6 or 8
- a small pan of shell gold or imitation gold such as Finetec Coliro
- a palette with wells
- optional: you may find it useful to bring a notebook/sketchbook for taking notes
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
Hira Kamil graduated from The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts with an MA in Traditional Arts in 2023. She also holds a Professional Diploma in Fine Arts, specialising in Indo-Persian miniature painting, from the Karachi School of Arts, and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from the University of Karachi.
She furthered her training with a one-year diploma at the VM Centre for Traditional Arts in Karachi, where she developed a strong interest in illumination and geometry. Her studies in geometric and biomorphic design deepened her understanding of the patterns found in historic Quranic manuscripts and architectural monuments across Pakistan.
Hira is currently undertaking an apprenticeship with Turkish master artist Ayten Teryaki, further refining her knowledge of traditional techniques and artistic practice.
Through her work in miniature painting, illumination, and geometry, Hira explores the connections between art, design, and cultural heritage while continuing to develop her practice.
