Art of Islamic Pattern

Art of Islamic Pattern Discover patterns of profound beauty and subtle complexity and develop practical skills in the arts a

Founded by tutors Adam Williamson and Richard Henry

In these unique skills based courses students use traditional methods to explore a range of classic Islamic designs and learn how to integrate freehand biomorphic motifs (Islimi/Arabesque) with geometric pattern. Students also have the opportunity to develop work using traditional techniques, including painting, gilding, ceramics, marquetry, sto

ne and plaster carving. The practical work is supplemented by contextual slide lectures and the underlying symbolism of the forms is examined. The courses are led by artist/geometer Richard Henry and sculptor/calligrapher Adam Williamson. Richard and Adam have given workshops, presentations and public lectures at many of the leading cultural and educational institutions in the UK and beyond, including:-

The British Museum, The British Library, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Shakespeare's Globe, The Prince's School of Traditional Arts, The Slade School of Fine Art, Central St. Martins, The Royal Society, Asia House, The National Portrait Gallery, Cambridge University, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Pardis University, Isfahan and Zaytuna College, Berkeley, USA. They have also led educational tours to the Alhambra in Granada, where students stayed in the stunning Moorish district of the Albaicin, completed a 4-day study tour of Istanbul, hosted by the Istanbul Design Centre in a 17th Century Tekke (pilgrimage lodge) located in the historic heart of Sultanahmet and have recently returned from a study tour of the medina in Fez.

Upcoming Courses and Study Trips
30/05/2026

Upcoming Courses and Study Trips

We are pleased to welcome you into our 2026 programme of study journeys, studio workshops, and live classes, shaped by the enduring traditions of pattern and craft.

Application deadline February 20th…
13/02/2026

Application deadline February 20th…

Online classes starting this weekend!Ornamental Drawing Series *Ottoman Roundels*
14–15 February 2026
Study rotational s...
11/02/2026

Online classes starting this weekend!

Ornamental Drawing Series 

*Ottoman Roundels*
14–15 February 2026
Study rotational symmetry through the brass knockers and bosses (kapı tokmağı and kapı göbeği) that mark the thresholds of Ottoman architecture.

*William Morris: Hidden Geometry & Wallpaper Tessellations*
28 February & 1 March 2026
Uncover the repeat systems behind Morris’s iconic wallpapers and create a fully painted repeating pattern.

*Persian Wooden Door Panels: Carved Geometry*
7&8 March 2026
Draw deeply carved hexagonal panel systems filled with Samarra-derived arabesque, exploring the relationship between geometry and relief carving.

*Wrought Iron Ornament*
Wednesdays — 6, 20 May & 3 June 2026
Across the sessions, we will study historic ironwork from gates, balconies, grilles, and doors, analysing how blacksmiths shaped heated metal into flowing curves, mirrored symmetries, and structural ornament. Through guided drawing, we’ll translate these forged forms into line, structure, and shaded relief.

10% fees for all online classes go to unicef’s children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal

All ramadan classes finish before UK Iftar 

There is now a bundle option available for those who’d like to join the full series of three sessions.

https://artofislamicpattern.com/online-classes/

Create something sublime this December!
Our London Studio classes are starting tomorrow. Join us in the London Studios f...
05/12/2025

Create something sublime this December!

Our London Studio classes are starting tomorrow.

Join us in the London Studios for a month of craft:

🔹 Plaster Carving — Dec 6 & 7
🔹 Woodcarving — Dec 8–12
🔹 Marquetry — Dec 13 & 14

Whether you’re a beginner or building on your skills, these hands-on sessions are the perfect way to end the year creatively.

Slow down, connect to the process, and leave with something beautiful.

Follow links in the profile

Artworks images by participants inc .art.mandalas

Address

183 Bow Road
London
E3 2SJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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