The astrolabe was the most iconic of early astronomical instruments: it promised to bring the heavens literally into your hands. A user could explore and even control time, the seasons, space and place. Its ingenuity was matched by its beauty and it was sought after by both scholars and rulers for more than a millenium.

In partnership with Oxford’s History of Science Museum, the Centre for Islamic Studies has staged an exhibition “Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of the Astrolabe in the Islamic World”. This study day provides a hands-on accompaniment to the exhibition.

Participants will each assemble and learn to use their own customised laser-cut modern astrolabe, to take home afterwards. You will also get to try your hand at the metalworking techniques needed to shape the historical examples in the exhibition, from sawing and filing, to riveting and shaping.

The session gives a taste of the way that the astrolabe embodied science, religion, art and craft in one exquisite object.

The ticket price includes both a sandwich lunch and afternoon tea and coffee. Please state any dietary requirements when ordering.

There will be an optional guided visit around the Centre for Islamic Studies after the end of the study day itself.