Venue: Bow Road Studios, London E3
Dates: This workshop will run for three days from Tuesday 24th October 2023 until Thursday 26th October 2023. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
Workshop Information
Architecture and Symbolism – Crafting the Agra Colonnade
V&A East project in collaboration with the Art of Islamic Pattern and The Creative Dimension Trust, supported by the Nunnery Cafe & Bow Arts.
Join us for this free, three-day workshop. Learn to draw, carve, and inlay precious stones into arches inspired by the Agra Colonnade, to form part of a semi-permanent display at V&A Storehouse in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London. In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 16 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop and living, working or studying in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge or Barking & Dagenham.
We invite you to explore and interpret Mughal art and architecture, starting with an exclusive visit to see the 10 metre long Agra Colonnade (a series of decorated arches) at its new home at V&A East, Storehouse. You will meet with curators from the East Asia department of the V&A for a deeper insight into this exquisite piece of architecture, before immersing yourself into the making process and creating your own sample pieces. The Colonnade hasn’t been seen by the public for almost 70 years and a selection of the artwork created in this workshop will form part of the new interpretive display at V&A East Storehouse.
Participants will learn to draw the traditional architectural elements and biomorphic ornamental features which adorn the arches and spandrels of the colonnade. You will then carve these patterns into large plaster arches and inlay precious stones reflecting the traditional ‘Parchin kari’ inlay techniques. Participants will also learn about the historic and symbolic origins for this Mughal masterpiece and can taste cuisine from Uttar Pradesh provided by the Nunnery cafe.
- This special event is free and open to all abilities.
- Booking is essential ~ places are strictly limited to the first 15 applicants.
- This workshop will be repeated twice.
- Lunch and travel are not provided.
Transferable Skills and Future Careers
TCDT workshops give a chance to develop a range of transferable skills and valuable insight to possible career paths. Some of the career choices our alumni have pursued include; Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Jewellery Making, Art Conservation, Glass Working, Theatre Design, Fashion Design, Costume Design – the list is growing!
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 16 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop and living, working or studying in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge or Barking & Dagenham.
You should be creative and have good hand-eye co-ordination. In your application you should demonstrate a passion for working with your hands.
You must be able to attend every day of the workshop.
Please be sure that you have read our Eligibility Criteria and Applications section at the bottom of the Workshop page before applying.
Course Funding
Our workshops are fully-funded by generous sponsors. Places are limited, therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
There are only 15 spaces available on this workshop. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
Workshop image credit: V&A Museum
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