The World at Your Feet: Carpets from the East

Online course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of hand-knotted carpets. Learn how they were traded from the Middle Ages to the present day and how they were used and copied in Europe. Study how they were designed and made, and how this can enable you to judge their relative quality for yourself.


  • Learn from our world-class experts wherever, whenever: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time.

  • Time to explore: 12 hours of lectures over six weeks.

  • Consolidate your learning: download lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials from our secure Microsoft Teams learning environment.

  • Join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.

  • Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials are available for six weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a minute.

course photo
Portrait of Course Director Jennifer Wearden

Course Director
Jennifer Wearden

Jennifer Wearden was V&A textile curator for 28 years, responsible for the Museum’s Turkish, Persian, Caucasian, Central Asian and European carpets. She has authored/co-authored V&A publications including Samplers, Ottoman Embroidery, Oriental Carpets and Iranian Textiles. She also delivers V&A Academy courses on the history of textiles and dress.

Jennifer's lectures are superb! Her knowledge and insight is absolutely fantastic. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee

Course overview

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of hand-knotted carpets. Long established as indicators of wealth and good taste, hand-knotted carpets have furnished the most important and the humblest dwellings. They have been used in palaces and places of worship, in the tents of nomadic people and even buried with the dead. Displayed in great museums and sold in department stores, hand-knotted carpets can be every-day furnishings or items of great luxury. Learn how they were traded from the Middle Ages to the present day and how they were used and copied in Europe. Study how they were designed and how they were made and how this can enable you to judge their relative quality for yourself.

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V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.

V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.

Enrol now

Online course: The World at Your Feet: Carpets from the East

19 April 2023 - 24 May 2023

£120.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)

Header image: The Ardabil Carpet