4London School of Mosaic

You will create a mosaic with Smalti using the traditional tools for mosaic, hammer and hardie. You will learn how to cut and shape the specialist Italian hard glass to create a 17.5x17.5cm mosaic to take home. 

Smalti was used especially during the Byzantine era, ranging from 6th to the 15th centuries, when churches decorated their walls with opulent mosaics featuring mainly icons. Mosaics made during this period can be seen in Italy, especially in Ravenna.

Today smalti is a popular medium for large-scale commissions of contemporary mosaic internationally, yet most of the specialists working in this medium are still only located in Italy. Strengths of smalti are brilliance in colour, diversity of surface effects and durability. 

**Day 1 (Saturday 10.00-6.00pm)**

Introduction on working with Smalti
- Learning how to transfer / draw an image in preparation for creating a mosaic
- How to use Hammer and Hardie as tools to make mosaic
- Practice of cutting smalti (a special type of glass for mosaic)
- The direct method of mosaic making onto wooden board
- How to apply basic techniques of andamento (mosaic flow) 

**Day 2 (Sunday 10.00-5.00)**
- Completing mosaic to take home

The course includes all materials apart from Gold tiles, but these will be available to purchase at our school.


Mosaic making with Smalti

Peter

Amazing teacher! Creative, passionate and inspiring.

Sarah Taylor

I was keen to learn more about smalti mosaics. This course was informative and I was able to use a hammer and hardie. The materials/tools and facilities were of a good standard and refreshments were provided throughout the course. Instruction was of a high standard and the trainer was friendly and approachable. I would recommend this course for anyone with an interest in mosaics and a desire to learn and improve. 10/10

An inspiring and enjoyable course.  Lots of design ideas and technical advice.  Teacher and fellow students enthusiastic and helpful.  Satisfying to create something beautiful in just a weekend.  

Dr Wanda Wyporska

Wonderful course, as ever, with the London School of Mosaics. Our instructor was very  professional and knowledgeable yet focused on nurturing and stretching individuals. My second course here, and I intend to become a regular! 

stefan geyer

Lovely place, lovely teachers - what more could you want?

gillian morris

The tutor was very dedicated to teaching this course.
Very knowledgable and gave everybody equal amounts of her time to give them help and advice. I would willingly do
another course with her.

Valentina Ferrer

I learned beyond my expectations, and loved every moment of my weekend course. 

Helen Reid

Wonderful course with Rada learning how to work with smallish  and a hammer and hardie.   She is a marvellous teacher who helps everyone get the most  out of the course.  

Adrienne Lord

Really enjoyed the course on smalti and learnt a lot . 
Great facilities in the college , would have loved to have had the time to browse through their library . 
Being able to use the studio afterwards was a big bonus . 

David Hoellen

The two days course I did was fantastic. The teacher and the space were great. I really enjoyed myself and felt illuminated after. 

Alan Brooks

A very enjoyable weekend course led by a friendly and knowledgeable instructor

Sarah  Laing 

Great class! Very knowledgable teacher, there was plenty of time for one-to-one tuition and every member of the class finished with a fully completed design. 

Rachel Greening

I had a fantastic weekend on the introduction to Smalti mosaic course. Rada was a wonderful teacher - so encouraging and inspirational. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this craft in such a light, airy setting and surrounded by other like-minded, supportive students. I’d definitely recommend it and I hope to return for another mosaic course in the future.

Helen Buck

A fantastic course - Rada was very helpful and inspired all of us to produce an exciting piece of work 

Nicky Raddon

Brilliant course  - the tutor was excellent -  very experienced   and  she had the right combination of explanation and practical support. The group size was ideal

Daniel Jones

This was my first experience of any form of art teaching since school and I really enjoyed the 2 day course. With hindsight, starting with Smalti was challenging, but also very rewarding.  The material is beautiful to work with.

I built some new skills and received loads of useful help from Rada, the course leader, and have booked two more short courses to expand my understanding of mosaic.

Judy Gregg

It was a great course.  Our teacher, Rada, was fantastic.  She let us get on with it but was very helpful when asked.  It gave us a broad introduction to Smalti and now I’ve just got to practice. 

Weekend course creating a mosaic with Smalti using the traditional  Hammer & Hardie technique

Question 1

Please provide an emergency contact and phone number

2London School of Mosaic

This is a term-long course in which you can develop your own mosaic project at either level: beginners, intermediate or advanced. You will work alongside students from across these levels, as the course is intended to provide students with the opportunity to build up to the next level during an additional term. This course runs alongside the school calendar over 10 weeks. 

**Learning plan according to level:**

We first assess students' level:  beginner, intermediate or advanced. Based on this  we recommend a project that is relevant for their learning aims:
- **beginner**: e.g. a small mosaic of an ornament or a Roman pattern to teach students andamento, how to cut ceramic and/or marble, using the direct method
- **intermediate**: e.g. a figurative mosaic such as a flower or an animal with vitreous glass and/or smalti, using either the direct or indirect method with vinyl or paper with glue
- **advanced**: e.g. a more complex design or portrait or figure with a combination of materials and different styles (Roman or Byzantine) using the indirect method

Tutors are giving you tutorial support during your time in the studio, while conversation with other students is encouraged to gain feedback on your work. 

This is ideal for those who are not in a position to commit to our year-long diploma but are looking for something more than a short course. 

Personalised Learning: Develop a mosaic project across skill levels (optional qualification)

Personalised Learning (optional Level 2 qualification): Develop your Mosaic Project

Gail Levy

Wonderful class with inspirational teacher.   Looking forward to continuing with the classes when we are able.

Gelara Sattari-Bahri

The best workshop set up for creating great art. The most patient, helpful and knowledgeable tutors. I highly recommend this school. 

Eleni 

I am so glad to have enrolled in this 13 week mosaic course. Every body is so welcoming and helpful. 
It is great that we are encouraged to work on our own ideas and preferred methods of working are accepted.
Lovely space to work in. Plenty of materials, and a nice group of participants. Excellent teachers. Could not wish for more.


Pippa Rowlandson

Loving this mosaic course I have another 11 weeks and don’t want it to end 
Fantastic support, knowledge and inspiration by all of the tutors and students at London School of Mosaic 

Rada and Joe and Jenny have been so wonderful to help me choose and create my design thank you 

Norman Taylor

An excellent opportunity to begin or improve your mosaic making, with caring, tailored support and a brilliantly industrious and creative atmosphere all around you.

Personalised Learning: Develop a mosaic project across skill levels 

Denise Miller

Had a great first class on the personal learning course.  So many ideas to think about.  Looking forward to getting stuck in over the next few weeks

Maria Vega

Eleni Leoussi

It is great been back at the school this week.
 I did a 10 week course before which 
I thoroughly enjoyed  and now back again for another 10 weeks. I can’t recommend the school enough. It is a great place to learn. Specious with all the facilities and materials one needs and great teachers and staff. 

Virginia Priest

Fab start to our course.  Really wished I had attended before I had started a few projects 

Alice MacDonnell

I am an absolute beginner in regards to mosaics and was very excited to learn about this art form. I started the 10 week course yesterday. My teacher, Rada, was absolutely fantastic. She gave clear instructions and was able to manoeuvre and make everyone feel at ease, despite us all being at different abilities and experience levels. I really enjoyed my first day and can’t wait for the next lesson! 

ANNA GERZHIK

I am happy that found this place. Very nice atmosphere. Rada is a wonderful and inspiring teacher. A good set of marble, smalt and ceramics. All necessary tools and materials for work are also provided. My only advice for beginners is to come to the first lesson with a your own idea for your future work. It will be more interesting to work this way. But they can also give you a template.

I am half way through the "Personalised Learning: Develop a mosaic project across skill levels"  course. I have a project that I am really enjoying and am grateful for the help and advice from Rada, who is excellent.  

Why not 5 stars? The one thing I would like is for there to be a short period given over each week to a brief talk on mosaic. Rada has so much experience and insight that could be shared to help with my wider understanding and inspiration.

Overall I am really glad I signed up for the course and am getting a lot from the experience.

Elizabeth  Skinner

I have attended several courses at LSOM and the quality of teaching is always good.  The facilities and resources at the centre are comprehensive.  I have no artistic experience but the teacher helped me transform a simple design idea into a beautiful work of art. 

Lynda Drinkwater

Rada has been very encouraging and supportive in my designing process. I feel outside my comfort zone but enabled to stretch into my learning edge. I really enjoy this class and environment and get a lot from seeing others projects evolve.

Jon Wentzel

Helen  Mylam 

A great course, whatever stage of mosaicing you are at, to develop skills and carry out your own personal project(s) all under the gentle encouraging and incredibly helpful guidance of Rada. 

Prerana Phadnis

As always a fabulous experience. Rada gently and expertly brings out the best in everyone I look forward so much to each session and just being at the school with so many creatives gives me a buzz 🐝 

Christine  McDonald 

Everyone was friendly and helpful.   The group was welcoming. The teacher, Rada was friendly, very supportive and informative. I can’t wait to come again next week. 

Aleksandra Gorska

I had a lovely first day on the Personalised Learning course. Rada's teaching style is very positive and enabling. I have previously explored various materials to create mosaics and on a previous short course was introduced to the Hammer and Hardie. After just one session with Rada I have already gained confidence in cutting marble and with her guidance I am certain that I will be able to complete the challenging project I have set myself. 

Develop your mosaic making skills and techniques through weekly personalised learning sessions based on either beginners, intermediate or advanced level

Disability

Do you have any disability or other needs we should be aware of to assist you on the course?

3London School of Mosaic

A 30 hour mosaic course for beginners and students with some experience of mosaic making who would like to expand their practice and learn a different technique. Students will work on their own individual project, emphasis will be placed on a personal approach to your design.

You will be able to make a mosaic choosing from one of the following techniques: direct, indirect, double indirect (into plastercine) or direct into tile adhesive. Cutting and shaping material with tile nippers will be taught, including how to form a curve. Use of the mosaic hammer and hardie to cut down stone and marble will also be covered.  You will be able to explore the expressive possibilities of mosaic in your use of ‘andamento’ (different ways of laying down your mosaic tesserae to create different effects).

**Course times and duration options**
- 10 week-long course, 3 hours each week
- 5 week-long course, 6 hours on Sundays
- a week long intensive over 5 days Mo-Fri 6 hours each day

**Syllabus**
- Designing your mosaic and developing a colour and material cartoon
- Making the mosaic in the group assisted by your tutor
- Last session: Grouting, and/or turning the mosaic depending whether you used the direct or indirect method

**Your tutor: Catherine Parkinson**

Catherine Parkinson is a freelance mosaic artist and teacher, specialising in decorative patterns and the innovative use of mosaic materials and techniques. She has been working with mosaic for 22 years, coming from a textiles background having studied a degree in hand embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Besides teaching on our specialist short courses she also teaches in other adult education institutions and works on private and public commission. She has her own mosaic practice with works exhibited in galleries. 

Various Techniques Mosaic Course

London School of Mosaic

1London School of Mosaic

Lucy Cohen

As always the course was fantastic. Great venue and resources and the teacher Catherine manages to support, advise and challenge without imposing or being overwhelming. I would highly recommend any classes she teaches. 

Lucy

Lucy clark

Excellent course, lots of help using various techniques and media.

Janet Cohen

Excellent teaching and great to have everything supplied.

This course is excellent.  The teacher is very encouraging and all the staff are helpful.  There is plenty of material available and the students produce amazing work.

Jose Nicolson

A brilliant course! Catherine is a great teacher and so knowledgable about mosaics. I love the way she pushes me out of my comfort zone. And I always learn something new in every session.

Vladimir Guzina

I’ve attended only one term by now and I’m more than happy with everything from LSM. Very friendly place. Teacher, students and staff where great. I’m looking forward to restarting my classes as soon as we finish with this Corona viruses.

Clare Pierce

I love going to this course. A highlight of my week.

Judith Perle

Excellent course. Excellent teacher. Excellent venue.

Catherine is such an encouraging teacher, who always has a good suggestion as to which direction to take ones work.

Really enjoyable class with inspirational tutor and like minded students.  Highlight of my week.

Andrea Swithenbank

The first class of Various Techniques Mosaic Course was very informative.
The teaching methods are clear and the materials are good quality and teaching to a high standard.
Its great to get stuck into a new hobby and meet people at the same time.
The library is good for any research and the LSoM a lively community be a part of.

Lisa Goldblatt

I have done many mosaic courses but have never had a teacher who was as skilled as the teacher on this course. She is excellent. The space is large and there are a lot of supplies and a library for ideas and its the perfect place to do mosaic. Its the highlight of my week.

Sophie MACKOWIAK

This is my second "Various techniques mosaic course" ans i recommend this course for beginners as well for initiaites. The teacher, Katherine Parkinson, is very competent and attentive. A wide choice of materials and techniques are available too. This is "the place to be" to improve your mosaic skills !

Exceptionally enjoyable - and productive.

Learning the various ways of techniques at the London School of Mosaic is truly inspiring and enjoyable.   

Gabriele Trinczek

Professional tutor, very organised, very friendly and helpful. Very supportive to explore ideas. Materials offer a  fantastic choice. 

Geraldine Gray

Excellent class, well run, well resourced and very interesting 

This class is the highlight of my week. I have learnt so much and the choice of materials is exceptional. The teaching is of a very high standard and the classes are still nice and small because of covid so it is a safe environment. I can not recommend it highly enough.

Debora Singer

I love this class. Making mosaics is very mindful and Catherine brings out the creativity in her students

James Mott

Wonderful as ever. The calmest part of my week.

Rachel Kolsky

You only have to see how many of Catherine's students return to her classes term after term, year after year to know how wonderful her courses are. I am a 'newbie' having attended for the first time in the autumn of 2021 but I am back in January 2022 and will be back for more too. We listing to Songs for Swinging Snippers as we shape our pieces of glass and ceramics ... the evenings speed by despite us all sitting there just snipping away. Book early everyone, if you don't you will be too late!!

Peter Wilson

My group was very friendly and made me feel very welcome as the new person.

Catherine was brilliant too being very patient with me and explaining things in an easy to take in way - although I will probably need reminding.

Geraldine  Gray

Debbie Singer

I love this class. Students get to work on their own projects with the expertise and encouragement of our teacher Catherine Parkinson.

Sarah Monk

Fantastic course, superb amenities, warm atmosphere and terrific teaching. Really great bunch of students too - highly recommend 

Great course, lovely tutor, fabulous venue. Thank you!

katie surridge

A really great week. I learnt a lot and had time to develop some new work. Thanks !

Ruth Rosenthal 

For a first timer this week long course couldn’t have been bettered. Hugely supportive teacher (Catherine) made for an enjoyable, rewarding  learning experience. Highly recommend. 

A wonderful  class with a teacher Catherine, who inspires you to create.   Whatever level you are learning every week in an enjoyable environment with like-minded people.   It is the highlight of my week. 

Priscilla-Louise Morrow

It is so much more than I expected! Catherine is an amazing  tutor. Can't wait for next Friday. So glad I enrolled with London school of mosaic. 

Winnie Liu

I always enjoy my courses here with Katherine. I learn so much and the school is just amazing. The facilities, the dedicated space and staff have all been brilliant

Absolutely love this class and the tutor is super knowledgeable and good at getting the best out of each student. I am a repeat customer and am always impressed with the variety and quality of work produced under Catherine’ s expert guidance 

Great class. Great teacher. Great fellow 'students'.  Catherine is amazing as the tutor. She is generous with both her time and (in my case) her patience as well as being very supportive. A brilliant introduction into mosaics.

liz Aston

I attended a one week mosaic course which was fantastic.  The teacher was really helpful and encouraged us to explore new ideas and techniques and the facilities are excellent. The atmosphere is welcoming and the cafe is excellent.  

Sylvia Chrzanowska

I didn’t expect to enjoy the course as much as I did; it was well organised, well timed and well explained. Catherine- the teacher made sure everyone had her attention if needed; guided through the phases and different techniques. Thank you once again Catherine. 

Catherine is a great teacher and always helpful, and encouraging.  No wonder I keep coming back.

Bunty Phillips

A most enjoyable class run by a warm & helpfull teacher
She is always willing to help & wants us to enjoy the class

Excellent class with a wonderful inspirational teacher

Catia  Funcello 

Wonderful teacher, passionate and patience, ready to answer to a million questions!

Ana Maria Lorz Vidan

Excellent teacher, patient, and very  knowledgeable .


excellent class
 teacher very helpful and good choice of materials. 

Lucy Clark

LSoM is such a great environment to work in.  Lots of inspirational work around to look at, students and tutors friendly and helpful, and an excellent variety of equipment and materials to use to create your ideas.  
Then put Catherine into the mix ....................!   She is a wonderful teacher, knowledgeable, encouraging and always able to spot just what it is that will help your project progress.

Sharon Strelitz

I am taking the Various Techniques Mosaic course from Catherine Parkinson in Fall 2022.  It is a terrific course,  exposing you to a variety of mosaic techniques.  You choose one of these techniques to develop a project with.  Catherine is a very supportive and experienced teacher,  she has encouraged me to do a project that is challenging but I am quite happy with the results!

Ewa Carsten

A very enjoyable course ran by experienced, considerate and very patient tutor Catherine Parkinson. Highly recommended. 

Gail levy

Inspirational teacher Catherine Parkinson encourages, instructs and make the class enjoyable while learning about mosaics.  All techniques are taught and having been to Caterine's classes for about 10 years I am still learning and enjoying her courses.

Wonderful to be back at LSM - excellent teaching, super helpful staff and a welcoming studio to work in. 
Highly recommend.

Aneta Ivanova 

This class is absolutely amazing. I am learning new skills and the level of teaching is  superb. You have to try it to believe it! 

daniel edney

Best decision I’ve made in a long time to study at the London school of Mosaic. 

It’s so chilled and wonderful to be amongst such helpful students and staff. Genuinely cannot find fault :) 

Brilliant class, brilliant teacher, brilliant studio!

Emelia Thorold

Really enjoying my classes with Catherine. She is a very patient teacher and always on hand to give you a steer if you want/need one - but also gives you space to do your own thing. Highly recommended.

I love this class.  Our teacher Catherine encourages us to convert our ideas into beautiful pieces of creative art.

Susan Ferguson

Really enjoying the course.   Excellent guidance from Catherine. 

Melinda Nicholds-Brown

100% recommendation.  Catherine is both a clear and supportive tutor. Good at quickly understanding each students needs.  A wonderfully inspiring space mixing masters and beginners in one large studio.  Book now- you won’t regret it. 

Gerda Oosterhof

Relaxing class with great tuition and results. Highly recommend!

Kirstie Cupper

The 5-day course was a great experience, very enjoyable in a friendly studio with an excellent instructor, Catherine, giving advice and encouragement throughout. I would thoroughly recommend this course if you have any inkling at all to learn about mosaic and will definitely do this again.

Wonderful inspirational place with excellent tuition for those who are starting out on this journey and inspiration for those as they continue their journey into the world of mosaics.

Carrollanne  Lindley

This is a great class in which to find and then polish your craft. Catherine is an excellent teacher, patient and always with suggestions how to deal with difficult shaping. The range of materials is exemplary. For me and the other students in the class, this provides an absolute haven on a Thursday night towards the end of the working week. I would thoroughly recommend if you are interested in music.

Daljit Rai

This place is a gem.
It's a very friendly and the classes have never disappointed . The teachers are very  knowledgeable and I always earned something new.

The teachers  also nudge you along if you're unsure and at the same time allow you the space to experiment and be authentic with your designs.
The range of materials is huge and it's like like an Aladdin's cave .


I love this class and the new studio is spacious, bright and well equipped. Catherine is an exceptional teacher. She is patient,  understanding and has a full understanding of technique while always respecting the student’s interpretation of design. 

Wonderful inspirational teacher in an artistic atmosphere.  My favourite time of the week.

Catherine patiently helped me work out how to turn my ideas into a practical mosaic project so now I'm really excited to begin

Ruth Rosenthal

I can’t imagine a better set up for learning and developing the skills needed to make a successful mosaic project. You are guided and supported through the processes thanks to knowledgeable experts.
Can’t ask for more… Thank you Catherine and LS of M 


Susan Bagwell

Catherine is a great teacher.  This is my second course with her

Gerda Oosterhof 

I love the weekly mosaic class under the supervision and guidance of Catherine Parkinson, who is an inspirational and very patient teacher! The new workspace is comfortable and there is a large range of materials to choose from.  If you want to learn more about the art of mosaics this is the place to be! Highly recommend.

Anna Wells 

I have really enjoyed learning about mosaics and Cathy was a very patient teacher.

Brilliantly taught by Catherine Parkinson who is very encouraging and enables each student to follow their choice of technique and style

LSoMosaic is a well equipped and convivial space to develop your own work with excellent support available when needed. I’m hooked on the medium and the method,  and appreciate the quality of teaching and the facilities of the school generally. 



Nicky Selby

A fantastic course. I would highly recommend 

Great course. I thoroughly recommend it for beginners and more experienced mosaicists who are looking for a bit of guidance/inspiration. 

30 hour course for beginners and improvers, who wish to explore a variety of mosaic techniques and materials.

Mosaic making with Smalti

Age Requirement