The Geometric Language of Roman Mosaics

This live online course takes place via Zoom, over six consecutive Saturday afternoons in September and October 2025, (BST / London Time).

The course dates are:

• Saturday 13th September, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST
• Saturday 20th September, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST
• Saturday 27th September, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST
• Saturday 4th October, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST
• Saturday 11th October, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST
• Saturday 18th October, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, BST

***Please note: If you are not able to attend 'live', please be reassured that all sessions are recorded and will be made available to you within 24 hours of each one ending. There is no time limit for access.***

The course is suitable for confident beginners, as well as more experienced geometers, but it is recommended that you have practised using a drawing compass beforehand (see below for recommended equipment).

The course will teach the step-by-step compass and ruler construction of several geometric motifs and themes found throughout Roman mosaic designs.

We'll cover borders and meander patterns, knots and guilloche designs, square grid compositions and shield-like peltae motifs, as well as more complex circular rosette designs.

The course will also feature a guest presentation from Bertrand Gamrowski and Basia Goodwin of the Flores Del Camino retreat centre, sharing their research into the incredible geometric mosaics of the 4th Century La Olmeda Roman villa in Northern Spain.

Attending the live sessions:

The course requires you to use Zoom, a free video conferencing app. Please log into the online session at least 5 minutes before the start.

You will be emailed the Zoom meeting link the day before each session, with a reminder of any equipment needed for that session (see below for the list of required equipment).

If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder and Eventbrite email preferences in your account settings. However, this information will also be accessible via the Online event page.

Equipment list

Essential:

1. A drawing compass, ideally with pen attachment
2. 30cm/12inch ruler
3. A 2H or HB pencil (and a B is also useful), sharpener and eraser
4. A black, coloured or metallic pen for outlining patterns
5. Plain A3 (or similar-sized) paper for drawing (e.g. cartridge paper, sketchpad)
6. Tracing paper
7. A colouring medium: e.g. felt tips/markers/fineliners/coloured pencils/watercolour paints, pens or pencils

Useful:

1. A pair of dividers (a compass-like tool with two points)
2. A longer ruler, e.g. 45cm/18inch
3. A second, smaller compass

Optional (if you wish to paint your designs afterwards):

1. Watercolour paper or pad - hot or cold-pressed, 300gsm or better. A3 is a good size
2. Watercolour paints, paintbrushes and water

And any other of your favourite art equipment, e.g. metallic pens.

Looking forward to meeting you online!