About
Join tutor, Sara Choudhrey, for further explorations of Islamic curvilinear designs. This new course pays particular focus to examples of curvilinear roundels within lavishly illuminated leaves of historical Qur’an manuscripts dating from the 13th – 16th centuries. This is an ideal follow-on from her previous curvilinear roundels course, continuing the compass-based construction method to recreate the nested and interlaced circular designs distinctive to Islamic Spain and North Africa. However, previous experience of the course is not required. Students should be familiar with using a compass for basic geometry.
With the use of compass and straight edge, students will learn to draft an underlying geometric construction and use proportional interlinking circles to develop the designs which can function as standalone compositions. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of these distinctive designs and be equipped to analyse or create their own.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
This course can be taken by both previous and new students. Students should however be confident in using a compass for constructing basic geometry.
If you are a beginner, you can prepare with our essential geometry skills video.
You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our online programmes.
When will the workshop take place?
This workshop will take place on Fridays, 13, 20, 27 June and 4 July 2025, 14:30 – 17:30
What materials do I need?
You will need:
- 1 x standard compass
- 1 x smaller compass, ie. 4.5 inches
If you don’t already own both, Rotring makes this useful set. - a pad of tracing paper, A3
- a pad of drawing/cartridge paper, A3
- Pencils, 1 x HB, 1 x 2B
- sharpener, eraser
- selection of colour pencils and/or coloured fineliner pens
- a ruler, at least 30 cm
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
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.
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
Dr Sara Choudhrey is an artist, designer and researcher based in London, UK. She specialises in Islamic art and design and uses an investigative process to explore themes of space, place and heritage through visual and material culture. Conducting studies referencing historical collections, archives and architecture, she employs a hybrid and interdisciplinary practice to probe art historical narratives. She is particularly interested in demonstrating the need for conversations around our relationship with material culture and its relevance to society local and afar.
In 2024 Sara was shortlisted for the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize and was shortlisted in 2023 for the Working Drawing category. In 2022 she was a finalist for the Aesthetica Art Prize. Her works are held in a number of permanent collections including Leighton House Museum, Borough Road Collection Archive and CW+ Trust. Sara has exhibited across the UK and internationally, including at Saatchi Gallery, London, as part of the Journeys: Healing Arts exhibition, Digital Light: Code Makers at Bletchley Park and the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, UAE.
Sara holds a Masters in Digital Arts from University of the Arts London and a PhD in Digital Arts from University of Kent.
