Making illuminated manuscripts in the Islamic world

This course is a mixture of theory and practice.
There will be an introductory theoretical background on the development of illumination in the Islamic book during the medieval period, looking at images of Qurans and secular manuscripts and considering the principal influences that went into the formation of Islamic book design. Our theoretical examination will continue into the early modern period, looking at examples of classic Persianate design under major dynasties of the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Practical element will cover a demonstration of materials, pigments and tools and an examination of how books were designed and made in the ateliers, followed by hands-on experience of drawing and colouring a small illuminated design.
In the first morning we will take a theoretical look at the history and development of page layout and illuminated decoration in books in the Islamic world.
Starting with early Quranic illumination and the transition to paper in 10th century ‘Abbassid Baghdad, we will trace design elements and their sources, and how they were put together to enhance and illuminate the written word. We will examine the formation of the language of illumination through major influences of the medieval period, and how they fed into the development of classic Persianate book design in the early modern period.
An examination of the principle elements of illuminated design - the role of geometry and the Arabesque – will be followed by a demonstration of the materials and pigments that were used by master illuminators.
Practical work on design and colouring will begin in the afternoon of the first day, and continue into the second day. Partcipants will learn techniques of drawing and colouring, and under guidance create their own small illuminated design using design templates provided.