Our base will be at the Dar Seffarine next to the Karaouine Mosque. We are going to be in the heart of Fes el-Bali, an authentic medieval medina, with the street layout and many buildings dating from the 12th century. We recommend orientating yourself around the main route that runs through the medina: Talaa Kebira (big slope) from Bab Bou Jeloud to Pl Seffarine, all the main sights are off this alley and you can always follow it home or out of the medina if you get lost.

Our base will be at the Dar Seffarine next to the Karaouine Mosque. We are going to be in the heart of Fes el-Bali, an authentic medieval medina, with the street layout and many buildings dating from the 12th century. We recommend orientating yourself around the main route that runs through the medina: Talaa Kebira (big slope) from Bab Bou Jeloud to Pl Seffarine, all the main sights are off this alley and you can always follow it home or out of the medina if you get lost.

This document lists the programme for the 5 days, we will always start the day at Dar Seffarine and we will update you if there are any changes to the itinerary. It’s also worth remember the word Balak (look out) often a warning of an approaching cart or pack animal!

Bab R’cif is the gate offering nearest vehicle access to Dar Seffarine. Only 4 min walk from RCIF and the carparking, Pass the gate and go straight ahead into the medina. Follow the street, walk up a few stairs to the bridge you will have to cross. Then turn right and continue along Seffarine. At first you will notice the silver and copper merchants, before ending in Seffarine square with its copper-ware artists. To the left is the great Library of the Qarawiyine. Pass the library and the fountain, enter the gateway, keep straight and you will find Sbaa Louyate. Dar Seffarine is the house nr. 14 in the street.

Introductory slide lecture on biomorphic design, working with drop-pattern designs led by Adam.

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time) from 1pm to 2pm.

Alaa Architect tour of a traditional medina courtyard house.

Site visit to Bou Inania Madrasa from 3:30pm to 5pm.

Geometric Design: 5-fold Symmetry led by Richard from 9:30am to 12pm.

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time) from 1pm to 2pm.

This afternoon session has been left open to allow some contingency within the programme. It may be used to complete activities for the whole group. Alternatively, it may be used for individual artistic exploration, or for participants to visit the medina, or other sites independently.

Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard for Group 1 from 10:15am to 12:30pm.

Zellij – An afternoon of discovery into what is involved in creating a mosaic piece traditionally used for architectural purposes. This class includes an introduction to the artisan, a brief on the background, assembling and creating a small zellig plaque and refreshments for Group 2 from 10:15am to 12:30pm.

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time) from 1pm to 2pm.

Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard for Group 2 from 2pm to 5:30pm.

Zellij Mosaic Workshop for Group 1 from 2pm to 5:30pm.

Dar Seffarine: Biomorphic Design: Working with radial design led by Adam from 9:30am to 12pm.

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time) from 1pm to 2pm.

Geometric Design: Working with Complex Rosettes led by Richard from 2pm to 5:30pm.

Course completed. Group photo.

A compass, cartridge paper plain sketchbook (ideally A3), cartridge mid tone paper, white pencil, 30cm ruler, zero eraser, tracing paper, range of pencils (6B-4H), drawing pens, small watercolour or gouache set, coloured pencils. Compass cannot be taken in hand luggage; compasses available on-site.

Adam Williamson and Richard Henry, Art of Islamic Pattern. Contact: islamicpattern@gmail.com, +44 (0)7900466866 (Adam), +44 (0)7906844321 (Richard).