The Mosaic Workshop: A Practical Guide to Designing and Creating Mosaics - Hardcover

Biggs, Emma

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0715308521 ISBN 13: 9780715308523

Publisher: David & Charles, 1999

Synopsis

This text explores the different elements of mosaic design and technique through a variety of projects which aim to give novices the confidence to start and the more experienced the freedom to progress. The book looks back at the historical beginnings of the craft, and goes on to show how beginners can learn to transform such items as tables, picture frames and tiles. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of mosaic design and technique, such as colour, laying, contrast, texture and pattern, showing how to achieve movement, tone and texture in a mosaic design. These aspects are illustrated by 24 projects featuring birds, fish, animals, figures and fruit. The basic techniques of mosaic are comprehensively explained and illustrated, and ideas are given for different mosaic applications. Templates are included for each design, enabling readers to pick designs to execute for their chosen application.

About this title

Review

The aim of Mosaic Workshop is to explain and demonstrate how to use mosaic to its best advantage. Written by Emma Biggs and Tessa Hunkin, it provides a comprehensive introduction to this ancient but highly versatile art form. Almost everything can be interpreted in mosaic but the success of the interpretation depends on an understanding of how to manipulate and control the medium. The book is divided into two sections: Principles of Design and Techniques, Tools & Materials. The first part is divided into chapters covering different aspects of design: stylisation, colour, contrast, laying, surface, pattern, form and figures. By separating out these issues it is possible to see how each contributes different qualities to a design. The second section of the book provides a comprehensive technical reference guide. Clear photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions are given for the principle mosaic methods. Descriptions of tools, adhesives, backings and mosaic materials are given with tables explaining which will be appropriate in different applications, both indoors and out. British suppliers of mosaic materials are listed and places where you can see historical mosaics are recommended. Templates of some of the designs are provided so that they can be copies and used as projects. Whether you want to learn how to decorate a mirror frame or go on to design a mosaic to decorate the entire length of your hallway, this book will form an invaluable and inspirational guide.

About the Author

Emma Biggs & Tessa Hunkin are two of Britain's most dynamic mosaicists. They set up the Mosaic Workshop in London over ten years ago, where their backgrounds in fine art and architecture combined to create striking mosaics in glass, marble, smalti and ceramic. They have undertaken a range of commissions, both in the UK and abroad, including walls and floors for restaurants, shops and cruise ships, specialist mosaics for churches and cathedrals, and even a mosque in the Middle East. Their work is regularly exhibited and has been featured in magazines and several book. They are based in North London.

Edition details

• Publisher: David & Charles
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0715308521
• ISBN 13: 9780715308523
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128