About
Cosmatesque ornament is a style of geometric inlay stonework from Medieval Italy. A form of opus sectile, this technique uses coloured stone or glass, cut into small geometric shapes, to form elaborate patterns. Primarily used for church floors, the Cosmatesque ornament also decorated columns, walls and immovable church furnishings. Named after the Cosmati family of craftsmen, the style is mainly found in and around Rome, but a notable example outside of Italy is the marble floor of Westminster Abbey.
This course will take inspiration from the tutor’s ongoing on-site research at different locations in the Eternal City and in its vicinity. During the course, students will learn about the different components of a Cosmatesque pavement and acquire skills necessary to analyse and draw the various parts and their infilling patterns with the use of a compass and ruler.
The course will also include a brief discussion on the historical background of Cosmatesque ornaments, along with a summary of their symbolism in the context in which they were created. It will examine materials used to construct the pavements and the possible materials an artist can use today to make Cosmatesque geometric art. Additionally, the course will look at how these pavements currently function within the churches of Rome.
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 online programmes.
When will the workshop take place?
This workshop will run on Wednesdays, 5, 12, 19, 26 March and 2, 9 April 2025
Times: 10:00 – 13:00 GMT/BST
Please note that from 30 March the UK will switch from GMT to BST +1.
What materials do I need?
- 2 automatic pencils (0.5 or 0.7): 2H and 2B lead
- A standard compass with working range (diameter) no less than 280mm. We recommend the Mars Staedtler 551 02 Comfort Bow Compass.
- 2H compass leads or, if using an compass adapter, a 2H (0.5 or 0.7) mechanical pencil
- Lead pointer or sandpaper board if using compass leads
- Eraser
- 2 x Rulers, 50cm and 20-30cm
- 1 fine marker in any colour
- A4 and A3 printer or drawing paper (a few sheets)
- A3 heavier drawing paper or hot-pressed watercolour paper (min. 1 sheet)
- A4 tracing paper (min. 2 sheets)
- A3 cardboard to place under the drawings
- Washi or masking tape
- Craft knife/Exacto knife
- Colouring pencils / watercolours / ink: a dark green and a wine red is essential
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
Magdalena Ganestam was born in Warsaw, Poland and moved to England at twelve. Unable to speak the new language, she adopted visuals as a means of relating experiences. It took time and a meandering path to discern her creative voice, which she continues to define and refine as she makes art alongside her daughter, her cuore di questo cuore. She is blessed to live in the beautiful city of Rome, where she studies and teaches the geometry of Cosmatesque ornaments. Magdalena holds an MA in Traditional Arts from The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, and a BA in Fine Art from the Slade School, UCL.
