About
Learn to see, analyse and creatively engage with Islamic influenced ornamentation across manuscripts, architecture and decorative arts. Through guided observation and practical exercises, this visually rich course explores underlying design principles, cultural context and artistic language that shapes these timeless traditions.
Session 1: Seeing Pattern and Rhythm
In this session, students will study a single illuminated Qur’an folio or border to observe pattern and rhythm. They will break down a repeating section of the design and recreate a sketch of that repeat. For homework, students will complete the repeat fully and extend it to form a complete corner design.
Session 2: Hidden Geometry and Structure
Students will explore an architectural element, such as a radial dome design or wall pattern, to understand the hidden geometry within decorative arts. They will learn about symmetry, underlying grids, and repeating elements, and will be guided through the process of breaking down and constructing the design. For homework, students will complete the full design and paint it.
Session 3: Language of Motifs
This session introduces various motif types, including Rumi, Hatayi, and Bulut forms. Students will explore their cultural context and learn how to draw a single floral motif. For homework, they will study a real flower and create a stylised, coloured version inspired by traditional design principles.
Session 4: Colour Theory and Painting
Students will examine different manuscripts to understand colour application, including the importance of gold and the use of colour across various traditions. The session will focus on how colour enhances meaning and aesthetic value. For homework, students will reinterpret a design using a limited colour palette.
Session 5: Composition, Complexity, and Layering
In the final session, students will explore compositional balance, the importance of visual breathing space, and the layering of complex designs. They will analyse how intricate compositions are structured and interact visually. As a task, students will deconstruct a design to identify and show its different layers.
What days/times do I attend?
Tuesdays, 6 October, 3 November, 8 December 2026 and 12 January, 2 February 2027, 14:00 – 17:00
Please note that on 25 October, clocks in the UK will go back by one hour, meaning:
- On 6 October 2026, times are given in British Summer Time (GMT+1)
- From 3 November – 2 February 2027, times are in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
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 in your confirmation email after booking.
What materials do I need?
TBC
Online Learning
What if I have questions during the workshop?
This will be a small workshop; Students will be able to ask questions via chat or unmute 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
Born and brought up in Kenya, Mahrukh has always been fascinated with the beauty of pattern and traditional crafts, especially the carved Lamu doors and wonderful Quranic calligraphy and design. As a young child, she would use rags left over from her mother’s stitching and paint Quranic verses, emulating the patterns found on the Kabba in Mecca. She now lives in London, having spent a few years in Dubai, and has carried on her passion and interest in art. She immersed herself in various courses and techniques that led her to the King’s Foundation of Traditional Arts. There she completed a Masters Degree in Visual and Islamic Art gaining a distinction. Mahrukh’s interest led her to be offered an apprenticeship to classically study the art of Islamic manuscript illumination, Tezhip under a Master in Istanbul, Turkey. She is currently undertaking her final project for the prestigious icazetname (Authorized Islamic manuscript Illumination Licence), which links her to a chain of authorised Ottoman Masters. Mahrukh has a special interest in other art forms such as Persian and Mughal miniature painting and calligraphy. Her work has been exhibited in the UK and internationally, and has been acquired for private and royal collections. She continues to research and study to expand her knowledge and skills and works on community outreach projects locally and internationally, offers workshops and is a visiting tutor at various institutions.
