Balsall Heath Second Saturday

The Second Saturday of the Month

Category: MIAH Foundation, Moseley School of Art

  • Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Join us at MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to be introduced to the traditional techniques in the #art of Islamic #manuscript #bookbinding

    During this workshop, you will examine a traditional manuscript in-person and learn the basic techniques of constructing a traditional Islamic manuscript. From collating the pages into signatures and sewing them into a textblock, to attaching them to a soft binding. You will create your own soft-cover notebook from scratch to take home and enjoy.

    This is an opportunity to get a glimpse into the traditional craft of bookbinding. All materials will be provided.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 11+ years.

    This workshop will be delivered by Dr. Neelam Hussain, Curator of the Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern Manuscripts at the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham. She is a specialist in Islamic manuscripts and material culture.

    Tickets

    Tickets must be booked in advance using the link.
    Standard Ticket: £21 (+ ticket fees)

    Link below and in bio (under upcoming events):

    https://miahfoundation.com/events/february-islamic-bookbinding-workshop
  • Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Join us at MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to be introduced to the traditional techniques of Islamic manuscript bookbinding.

    During this workshop, you will examine a traditional manuscript in-person and learn the basic techniques of constructing a traditional Islamic manuscript. From collating the pages into signatures and sewing them into a textblock, to attaching them to a soft binding. You will create your own soft-cover notebook from scratch to take home and enjoy.

    This is an opportunity to get a glimpse into the traditional craft of bookbinding. All materials will be provided.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 11+ years.

    This workshop will be delivered by Dr. Neelam Hussain, Curator of the Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern Manuscripts at the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham. She is a specialist in Islamic manuscripts and material culture.

    Tickets

    Tickets must be booked in advance using the link.

    Standard Ticket: £21 (+ ticket fees)

    REFUND POLICY: Please note that tickets are only refunded (minus the Eventbrite admin fee) if requested more than 7 days before the event.

    DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS BOOKBINDING WORKSHOP WILL BE REPEATED ONE MORE TIME IN FEBRUARY.

    Through translations, manuscripts, and groundbreaking inventions by Arab and Persian scholars of the Middle Ages, this exhibition reveals how ideas and science traveled across continents, shaping our world today. Featuring artwork from manuscripts, infographics, original objects, facsimiles, short-films and an activity table for different ages to explore the themes of the exhibition, there is lots to do for everyone.

    Public Exhibition Dates: Thursday 14th November to Saturday 21st December 2024; open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Initially we are only releasing November dates – the December dates will only be released if there is sufficient demand beyond November.

    Admission: Free, but limited tickets so please book in advance (please check our website for timeslots and to reserve your visit).

    SCHOOLS, HOME EDUCATION & YOUTH GROUPS WELCOME:
    Our exhibition dives into STEM and history topics for KS2-KS4, from the Islamic Golden Age to the Silk Roads and the history of medicine. Perfect for an educational trip! Limited guided talk slots are open on Thursdays & Fridays. Email us at contact@miahfoundation.com with your group size, 2-3 date options (Thurs/Fri, Nov-Dec), and preferred time (12pm, 2:30pm, or 4:30pm).

    Please share and spread the word. We look forward to welcoming you!

  • Story time club – Al-Sufi

    Story time club – Al-Sufi

    MIAH Foundations weekly story-time club continues alongside the new exhibition, ‘From Samarkand to Salerno: Roads of
    Enlightenment.’

    This enriching club delves into the lives and
    achievements of Muslim scholars and scientists,
    serving as the perfect complement to the exhibition. It’s also a great opportunity for your children to engage with the exhibition in an interactive and meaningful way.

    Join us this Saturday for a focus on Al-Sufi- In this exciting storytime session, kids will learn about Al-Sufi, the renowned astronomer, and his contributions to the study of the stars and constellations. They’ll explore how Al-Sufi cataloged stars and mapped the skies. Following the story, kids will create their own galaxy.

    Join us every Saturday, from 10:30 AM to
    11:30 AM, for a journey of learning and inspiration!

    As part of the experience, each child will receive a
    Storytime passport to collect custom stickers for every
    session they attend, enhancing their educational
    adventure.

    Please visit the link to book your place: Link in bio

    Please note: This event is suitable for ages 5 to 7
    years, and all children must be accompanied by an
    adult at all times.

  • Activities at The MIAH Foundation

    Activities at The MIAH Foundation

    Story-Time: Fatima al-Fihri

    Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
    Cost: Tickets are £8 for one adult and one child, with entry to the exhibition included
    Booking Info: Storytime Club | MIAH Foundation

    Botanical Drawings

    Time: 12 – 3pm
    Cost: £18 (+ ticket fees)
    Booking Info: Botanical Drawings and Painting Workshop | MIAH Foundation

    Exhibition

    Time: Free drop-in from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    Cost: Free
    Booking Info: Exhibition: From Samarkand to Salerno: Roads of Enlightenment | MIAH Foundation

  • Botanical Drawings and Paintings

    Botanical Drawings and Paintings

    Join us for a unique workshop where participants will create botanical illustrations inspired by Kitab al-Diryak, a historic Arabic pharmacopeia known for its detailed plant depictions. Guided by a skilled artist, you’ll explore traditional art techniques while taking a deeper dive into the pages of this beautiful manuscript. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, this workshop offers a creative journey into the intersection of art, history, and botany. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

    This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    12 – 3pm | Saturday 14th December 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Secure your place below. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Painting the Damascus Rose on Ceramics

    Painting the Damascus Rose on Ceramics

    12.00pm- 2:00pm | MIAH Gallery

    Join us for an afternoon of painting the Damascus Rose on your own ceramic charger or bowl while you learn about the story and symbolism of this beautiful flower. At the end of the session, you can take home your own ceramic to decorate your home or contain your favourite items.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    More information and book here: https://miahfoundation.com/events/painting-the-damascus-rose-on-ceramics

  • Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Join The MIAH Foundation for an in–person workshop on creating a Palestinian Tatreez bookmark, with a guided tutorial.

    During the in–person workshop, you will learn about the history of Palestinian Tatreez and the techniques to create your own embroidery based on traditional motifs. You will then create your own Tatreez bookmark. All materials will be provided. This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    12 – 2pm | Saturday 12th October 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop

    Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop

    Come join the MIAH Foundation for a Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 14th September 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us for a creative painting workshop where we will explore the Ottoman and Persian art of Ebru marble painting. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

  • Mughal Flowers Workshop at The MIAH Gallery

    Mughal Flowers Workshop at The MIAH Gallery

    Come join the MIAH Foundation for a Mughal Flowers Workshop, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 10th August 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Mughal albums are known for the way they decorated the marginal spaces with detailed studies of flowers and fauna. Mughal flower studies included lilies, narcissus, iris, tulips, carnations, poppies, anemones and campiones among other flowers. Although they were painted to be naturalistic, they used a distinct Mughal style and colour palette. In this workshop you will study some of the flower drawings found in Mughal albums and create your own flower study in the style of 17th century art albums from Mughal India.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Link to book: https://miahfoundation.com/events/mughal-flowers-workshop

  • Ceramic Tile:The Dome of The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Ceramic Tile:The Dome of The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop based on the tile of the Dome of the Rock, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 13th July 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us to learn about this Dome of the Rock tile design and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    This workshop is inspired by the ceramic tiles that decorate the Dome of Rock, or Qubbat aṣ-Ṣakhra, in Jerusalem, Palestine (occupied Palestinian territories). Painted in an underglaze of cobalt blue on a white tile, this floral design can be tesselated to create a never-ending pattern. During this workshop, you will study one of the tile patterns that adorn this building, which is currently housed at the British Museum and in the teaching collection of the MIAH Foundation Islamic Arts Gallery.

    You will recreate this design on a ceramic tile that can then be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster. Please note: this workshop focusses on the design of the tile. Due to the length of the workshop, the design will be painted using acrylic paints and not underglaze.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Book your place today below

    Register on Eventbrite
  • The Ottoman Sultan’s Signature: Make your own Tughra

    The Ottoman Sultan’s Signature: Make your own Tughra

    12-2 MIAH Foundation, Moseley Community Hub, 496 Moseley Road

    Join us at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery, Balsall Heath, on Saturday 11th May where we will be exploring the art of the Ottoman Diwani script and learn to creating our own Tughra (signature seal).

    You will learn how to read the tughra and design your own, based on your name. The tughra of the Ottoman sultan Abd al-Hamid II is currently on display in our exhibition, so you can see an original example for your work.

    This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Entry to the exhibition is included with the ticket.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Taught by the Pen: Arabic Calligraphy Compositions

    Taught by the Pen: Arabic Calligraphy Compositions

    Join us at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery, Balsall Heath, on Saturday 13th April where we will be exploring the art of Arabic calligraphy. You will learn about the use of calligraphy in different objects and then create a calligraphic composition of your own. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Date: Saturday 20th April
    Time: 12-2pm

    To secure your place, please book in advance.

    Tickets:
    Thanks to the Barakat Trust and the Heritage Fund, this workshop has been partially subsidised to ensure accessibility. We request a donation of £10 to cover materials and costs (£8 for students, low income and over 65s). Free entry to the exhibition is included with the ticket.

    Who is this workshop for? Suitable for ages 11+ years. The ability to read Arabic is useful. All materials are provided.

    Image Credit: The Ibn al-Bawwab Qur’an: Is 1431, Chester Beatty Library, Dublin. A reproduction of this Qur’an can be seen in our current exhibition, Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an & the Art of Calligraphy

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy

    Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy

    Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy explores the role of the art of calligraphy in the preservation of the Qur’an in its written form through the centuries.
    The exhibition was launched during the month of Ramadan, during which the first verses were revealed.

    The exhibition will be open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm-6pm, MIAH Foundation

  • Square Kufic Workshop with the MIAH Foundation

    Square Kufic Workshop with the MIAH Foundation

    Square Kufic is a geometric style of calligraphy that has often been used in the architecture of the Muslim world, either through inscriptions in stone or through the use of different coloured bricks or tiles.

    Join us on Saturday 9th March 2024 at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to learn about square Kufic. We will look at examples of square kufic in art and architecture from the Muslim world, including in UK museum collections. You will have a go and creating your own design before re-creating a square kufic composition as a paper weave. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    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 by the start time.

    Thanks to the @barakat_org and the Heritage Fund, this workshop has been partially subsidised to ensure accessibility. We request a donation of £8 or more towards materials and costs.
    Who is this workshop for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 9-99+ years – younger participants may require additional adult support. All materials are provided.


    Register on Eventbrite
  • Dome of the Rock tile design Workshop and create your own ceramic coaster

    Dome of the Rock tile design Workshop and create your own ceramic coaster

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop based on the tile of the Dome of the Rock, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    1.30 – 3.30pm | Saturday 10th February 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us to learn about this Dome of the Rock tile design and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    This workshop is inspired by the ceramic tiles that decorate the Dome of Rock, or Qubbat aṣ-Ṣakhra, in Jerusalem, Palestine (occupied Palestinian territories). Painted in an underglaze of cobalt blue on a white tile, this floral design can be tesselated to create a never-ending pattern. During this workshop, you will study one of the tile patterns that adorn this building, which is currently housed at the British Museum and in the teaching collection of the MIAH Foundation Islamic Arts Gallery.

    You will recreate this design on a ceramic tile that can then be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster. Please note: this workshop focusses on the design of the tile. Due to the length of the workshop, the design will be painted using acrylic paints and not underglaze.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Book your place today:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dome-of-the-rock-tile-workshop-tickets-820148435047

  • Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop on Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    1.30 – 3pm | Saturday 13th January 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    2pm-3:30pm | Sat 9th December 2023 | MIAH Gallery | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH

    Our next event is part of the Balsall Heath Second Saturday programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a maths lover, or simply curious about the beauty of patterns, this event is for you!

    Join us for this introductory workshop where Rumina Parveen will delve into the intricate designs and symmetrical wonders that grace designs from across the Muslim world.

    This workshop is based on the four-fold pattern called the Breath of the Compassionate (al-Nafas al-Rahman). It is often associated with the Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi. The pattern symbolises harmony and unity, which are shown through the expansion of the khatams and then compresses back into a cross.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for age 9-99 years. All materials are provided.

    To ensure accessibility, we are not charging a specific amount for this event. We ask that you ‘pay what you feel’. If you are able to, we suggest a donation of £5 or more.

    Image: Lustre tiles from Iran, probably Kashan (1262). Accession No 1837&A, C, E, F-1876, Victoria & Albert Museum

  • Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    The MIAH Foundation is now part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Ottoman flower motifs (or biomorphic patterns) can be found across Ottoman and Persian art, including in manuscripts, ceramics, textile and armour. The five petal flower motif was particularly popular and gives this type of art its name (penç means five in Farsi), even though some of the flowers in this style had more than five metals. Each flower also follows a basic geometric and symmetrical division.

    Join us on Saturday 11th November 2023 at either 1pm or 2pm to draw Ottoman flower motifs (penç). You will learn to draw four flower motifs and then create your own either freehand or using a template.

    Session 1: 1pm-2pm (please book in advance using the ‘register’ to confirm your place)

    Session 2: 2pm-3pm; drop-in (advanced booking is not necessary – first-come, first-served until we reach capacity)