Mosaics introductory

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Develop your creative skills in this classic art form, adhering your materials to a temporary surface before applying the completed section to a flat base or casting it into concrete to complete your own Mosaic. Please bring ideas. Basic materials provided. All levels are welcome.
Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

5 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 19 Sep 2026
    End Date: 24 Oct 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VL361
    Tutors:  Giulia Vogrig
    Full fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00
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  • Start Date: 09 Jan 2027
    End Date: 13 Feb 2027
    Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VL362
    Tutors:  Vanessa Benson
    Full fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00
    Add to Wish List
  • Start Date: 17 Feb 2027
    End Date: 24 Mar 2027
    Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VL363
    Tutors:  Vanessa Benson
    Full fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00
    Add to Wish List
  • Start Date: 09 Jun 2027
    End Date: 14 Jul 2027
    Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VL364
    Tutors:  Vanessa Benson
    Full fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00
    Add to Wish List

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
248277
Full fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00

What is the course about?

- To develop practical skills in making mosaics using the indirect or double indirect methods
- To develop creative skills associated with making mosaics
- To develop critical awareness in the appropriate use and exploration of materials and styles
- To explore the properties of the medium.

What will we cover?

Your own ideas for content will be encouraged and you will need to bring visual source material or ideas as a starting point. The course will allow for each student to complete a mosaic using the indirect or double indirect methods (other methods will also be covered). The sequential processes will involve the chopping of marble and cutting of glass, ceramic tiles or other matter including recycled material into appropriate shapes, and placing these tesserae onto a temporary surface, before transferring them onto a permanent base or casting them into concrete. We will look at different styles and how to achieve them through the shaping and placing of the tesserae. Themes such as tonal and size values, intermingling of colour and andamento (the coursing of rows of tesserae) will be discussed.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Research and develop ideas for further projects
- Complete a mosaic on your own using the indirect method or double indirect methods
- Describe a range of expressive characteristics in the mosaic idiom
- Create or draw at least 3 different styles in mosaics
- Describe the at times contentious relationship between mosaics and painting in a historical context

Experienced students will:
- Pursue personal project work in a chosen technique
- Explore ideas and techniques that challenge their knowledge base.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for beginners or for students who would like to continue exploring the medium.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, and-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstrations, practical work on individual projects, informal group discussions, slides and books, individual tuition and, informal observation of student works-in-progress.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. Bring a notebook and pen or pencil to make your own notes. A selection of books on mosaics will be at the students’ disposal during the course. A materials allowance is included in the course fee which covers most of what is required on the course. Students will be required to bring in their own bases if needed, but may wish to discuss this first in the first lesson in order to make an informed choice (casting in concrete will not require a base). Students who would like to use smalti glass or a fair amount of vitreous tiles (a limited amount of the latter will be available on the course), or other materials, should bring their own. Suitability will be advised in class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a selection of courses in Mosaics & Contemporary Crafts for beginners to advanced learners and professional practitioners. Please browse the website to view our upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.

Giulia Vogrig See more See less
Vanessa Benson See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.