Skip to main content
Study with us

Designing Decorative Patterns for an Arch

Islimi for Arch
Book now

Subject

Islimi

Dates

7 – 11 April 2025

Time

10:00 – 16:30

Location

The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts

Full price

£385

Tutor

Mahrukh Bashir

About

In this course, students will explore the art of creating intricate islimi/arabesque patterns and apply them to arches.

They will learn how to draw an arch using geometry, and then to fill the spandrels above the arch with flowing floral patterns.

Students will leave the course with painted design.

Key Information

Who is this workshop for?

All levels of ability and experience welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.

How many people can attend?

14 people

What days/times do I attend?

Monday – Friday, 7 – 11 April 2025, 10:00 – 16:30

What materials do I need?

Students should bring the following to class:

  • a compass with extension bar
  • pointed round watercolour brushes, sable, sizes 0 and 000
  • a range of gouache or watercolours
  • Gold watercolour or gouache; Your tutor recommends Finetec, Winsor & Newton and Schminke

All other materials will be provided.

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.

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 full-time students and Seniors/60+.

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.

Our normal terms and conditions apply.

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.

Back to top