Islamic Geometry for Beginners

A practical introduction to Islamic geometry – use a ruler, compass and watercolour to create a unique piece to take home.

Learn how to draw a historical pattern from Islamic traditions. This 3-hour workshop will teach you how to design, draw and colour a classic 6-fold historical pattern from Islamic traditions.

The workshop on 24 September will feature a 6-fold pattern found in tiles in Turkey, and the workshop on 8 October will feature a 6-fold tile pattern from Uzbekistan.

During the session, tutor Safira will show you how to create a geometric pattern template and go through the process of how to transfer it to watercolour paper.

The session will include a chance to explore watercolour painting techniques so you can create your own painting.

No prior experience is required, or if you do have some experience of Islamic geometry, this is a great way to refresh your skills or find new inspiration!

About the tutor:

Tutor Safira Ali, new to our team of tutors here at Attenborough Arts, is a visual artist and calligrapher based in Leicestershire. Her work explores geometry, Islamic illumination, and modern and Arabic calligraphy. Safira has studied Islamic geometry with the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, Art of Islamic Pattern and Traditional Arts with the VMCTA. For the past four years she has been undertaking a traditional apprenticeship programme to learn tezhip with an Islamic illumination master in Istanbul. To learn more about Safira’s work visit: www.safiraarts.com or find her on Instagram @safiraarts

Further information:

All materials are provided.

This 3-hour workshop will start at 10am and end at 1pm and will run on two different dates:

• Wednesday 24 September 2025
• Wednesday 8 October 2025

Please ensure you book the correct date.

Suitable for ages 14+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list – simply contact our box office team on 0116 252 2455 / arts-centre@le.ac.uk and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you’d like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road.

The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.