Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll design and paint your own ceramic Qibla tile to take home. Qibla tiles are beautifully crafted ceramics that marked the direction of prayer towards the Ka‘ba in Mecca (Makkah).

This workshop is part of MIAH Gallery's Eid Fest & Bazaar an arts festival celebrating creativity, community, local culture, and the arts, with a topical exhibition on the Hajj in the lead up to Eid.

Qibla tiles were especially popular during the Ottoman period, and were often placed in or around the mihrab (the niche in a mosque wall that indicates the Qibla) in religious buildings. They also appeared in some public buildings, offering a constant reminder of the spiritual orientation central to Islamic practice. These tiles were not only functional but also highly decorative, often featuring intricate floral motifs.

During the session, you'll study one of these traditional tile patterns—drawn from examples in the MIAH Foundation's Islamic Arts teaching collection—and recreate the design on your own ceramic tile for decoration or to mark the Qibla in your own home. While historic Qibla tiles were painted using underglaze techniques, this workshop will use acrylic paints due to time limitations. The finished tile can be taken home and displayed or used as you wish.

To secure your place, please book in advance. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability, if they arrive at the start time.

Tickets:

Subsidised Ticket (low income): £12.50 ( + ticket fees)

Standard Ticket with £2.50 towards MIAH's fundraising efforts: £15 (+ ticket fees)

Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 11 yrs to adults. Perfect for some relaxed creativity! All materials are provided.