MARBLING ART WITH MINDFULNESS

Somewhere between art and alchemy, paper marbling is one of the world's most captivating creative traditions – and one of the most satisfying to try for yourself.

Join artist Ebru Kocak for an immersive three-hour introduction to Ebru, the ancient Turkish art of paper marbling, held in the Study Centre at Jane Austen's House in Chawton. The art form and the artist share a name – and in Ebru Kocak's hands, that feels entirely fitting.

Ebru is believed to have travelled from the Sufi lodges of Uzbekistan along the Silk Road into Istanbul, where it flourished for centuries as one of the Ottoman world's most prized decorative arts. Today it is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Working with vibrant pigments floated on water, artists create swirling, unrepeatable patterns before transferring them onto paper – each piece utterly unique, shaped by colour, movement and a little happy chance.

In this beginner-friendly workshop, Ebru will guide you through every step of the process: from preparing your tray to laying down colour, creating your design and lifting the finished piece from the water. No prior experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to let the colours lead the way.