Plaster Carving
Ornamented Ottoman Windows with Stained Glass
Format: In Person | All Levels
Date: Sundays, From 14 June to 19 July 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Duration: 6 weeks
Fee: £400
Class Size: Min. 4 – Max. 10 Students
Instructor: Mariam Ashraf
Location: 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA
Nearest stations: Warren Street, Goodge Street
Course Calendar:
Week 1: Sunday, 14 June 2026
Week 2: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Week 3: Sunday, 28 June 2026
Week 4: Sunday, 5 July 2026
Week 5: Sunday, 12 July 2026
Week 6: Sunday, 19 July 2026
Entry Requirements
Open to ages 16+.
No previous experience required, suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Registration is complete upon submission of the form and payment of the course fee.
Students are required to complete the form to register successfully.
Course Overview & Artistic Context
This 6-week course introduces participants to plaster carving through the artistic and architectural language of Revzen-i Menkuş, the ornamented Ottoman plaster window tradition. Students will explore the relationship between carved plaster, colour, light, and stained glass ornamentation, developing an understanding of how gypsum surfaces were shaped as part of Ottoman architectural decoration.
Throughout the course, participants will be guided through design transfer, surface preparation, pattern construction, plaster carving techniques, and stained glass-inspired decorative elements. The course offers a focused introduction to the material and visual language of ornamented Ottoman windows, where geometry, relief, colour, and light work together as part of a wider architectural tradition.
Under the guidance of Mariam Ashraf, students will gradually develop A3 size plaster-carved window inspired by Revzen-i Menkuş, the ornamented Ottoman plaster window tradition, and stained glass ornamentation. The course is designed to be practical and accessible while introducing participants to the historical and artistic context of Ottoman architectural ornament.
By the end of the programme, participants will gain a clearer understanding of plaster carving as a traditional decorative practice and complete a plaster carved window piece to take home.
About Mariam Ashraf:
Mariam is an Egyptian artisan and researcher in Gypsum Craft, Islamic Geometry and Floral Design. A graduate of Jameel House in Cairo, she is currently pursuing her Master’s at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, where she continues to deepen her practice.
Mariam is passionately reviving the heritage of gypsum through contemporary expression. She is one of the featured artists in the “35 under 35” networking initiative by The King’s Foundation, highlighting emerging talents in traditional and Islamic arts.
Through her brand Moma, Mariam is dedicated to reintroducing gypsum as a living craft by offering workshops, talks, and creative demonstrations that merge Islamic geometry, floral motifs, and everyday materials into timeless expressions.
Her mission: to keep the art of gypsum alive, engaging communities and inspiring the next generation of artisans.
Methods of Teaching
Demonstrations by the instructor.
Hands-on practice with individual feedback.
Step-by-step progression from design preparation to carved plaster surface.
Introduction to traditional patterns, surface preparation, carving techniques, and stained glass-inspired ornamentation.
Assessment & Certification
Continuous feedback is given throughout the course.
A digital or printed certificate of attendance or completion is available upon request.
Required Equipment & Materials
All materials, tools, and equipment will be provided by the Institute.
Each student will receive one basic carving tools pack for use during the course, which they may keep after the course have been completed.
Plaster and other consumable materials used during the course will be provided by the Institute as part of the course delivery.
Students may take home their completed plaster-carved piece at the end of the course.
Students are responsible for taking their work and personal materials with them as instructed. The Institute cannot accept responsibility for storing, safeguarding, loss of, or damage to any work or materials left on the premises.
Course Policies and Guidelines
Language: Classes are primarily taught in English, though some terminology may be in Turkish due to the nature of the course, including Revzen-i Menkuş. The instructor will clarify when needed.
Age requirement: Open to ages 16+.
Safety & comfort: Please avoid loose clothing, including large cuffs, ties, or similar items, during practical sessions.
Health & allergies: If you have any relevant health concerns, please inform the instructor in advance.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you require any accessibility support so we can assist you.
Personal belongings: Participants are responsible for their own items. The Institute cannot accept liability for loss or damage.
Punctuality: To ensure full benefit from the class, please arrive on time.
Minimum numbers: Courses require a minimum number of participants. If this is not met, the Institute may cancel one day before the start date, with full refunds issued.
Withdrawals & refunds: Cancellations are accepted up until the start date with no charge. After the course has begun, a 25% administration fee will be charged for cancellations. After the first two weeks of the course, fees are non-refundable.
Late registrations: Late registrations up to one week after the course starts are subject to approval by the instructor, with full fees charged. No new student registrations are accepted one week after the course starts.
Certificates: Certificates of attendance or completion may be provided for selected courses.
Photography: Sessions may be photographed or filmed for archival and promotional purposes. Please inform the instructor if you prefer not to appear.
Communication: Any changes, including time or date adjustments, will be communicated to participants by email.
Feedback: Suggestions and concerns are always welcome. Please speak to your instructor or email us at londra@yee.org.tr.
Students are expected to follow the instructor’s guidance at all times, particularly when using plaster, carving tools, and other practical materials. The Institute reserves the right to refuse participation if a student does not follow safety guidance or behaves in a way that may affect the safety or learning environment of others.
The final outcome of the course will depend on the pace, ability, and progress of each student. While the instructor will guide students towards completing a small plaster-carved decorative piece inspired by Revzen-i Menkuş and stained glass ornamentation, individual results may vary.
By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.
