Pebble Mosaic Group Course (3 days)

Pebble Mosaic Group Course – 3 Days

Group course at the In Tessere Mosaic School – Narni (TR), Italy, and at an open-air worksite for the creation of a collective floor mosaic.

Course Description

The group course dedicated to pebble mosaic offers an immersive learning experience in which theory and practice merge to convey the principles and techniques of traditional mosaic paving. Participants will learn the methods of selecting, composing, and laying natural pebbles, using materials sourced from local quarries and following the dry-mortar construction method according to ancient tradition.

The program is divided into three main phases: an introductory theoretical lesson at the school’s headquarters, a quarry visit for the selection and preparation of materials, and the creation of a collective pavement in a real open-air worksite. The course, led by master Luca Riggio, combines study, direct experience, and teamwork, offering participants the opportunity to create an authentic outdoor mosaic pavement. The activity takes place in small groups of up to 10 participants to ensure effective learning and constant guidance. Places are limited.

Upcoming Course Dates

• 26–28 November 2025
• 6–8 May 2026

Main Information

• Duration: 3 days
• Participants: maximum 10 people
• Type of work: outdoor pebble mosaic pavement (collective project)
• Location: theoretical lessons at In Tessere (Narni Scalo – TR); practical work at an open-air worksite in Narni (Umbria)
• Course structure: 30% theory – 70% practical fieldwork

What You Will Learn

• Study of the origins and evolution of pebble mosaic
• Analysis of design and composition principles for mosaic pavements
• Selection and preparation of stone materials directly in the quarry
• Creation of a pavement using dry-mortar techniques according to tradition
• Team collaboration in creating an authentic outdoor mosaic
• Learning techniques of laying, finishing, and consolidation

Course Schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to Pebble Mosaic Technique

Morning: theoretical introduction on the history and laying methods of pebble pavements.
Afternoon: quarry visit for material selection and preparation of the base for mosaic laying. Practical demonstrations and initial guided exercises at the school.

Day 2 – Creation of the Pavement

Collective fieldwork for the creation of an authentic pavement inspired by ancient motifs. Guided by instructors, participants will apply traditional pebble mosaic laying and composition techniques.

Day 3 – Finishing and Presentation of the Work

Completion of the pavement, cleaning, and detailing. Delivery of participation certificates and closing ceremony with presentation of the collective mosaic work.

Materials Included

• Basic pebble mosaic tool kit (free to keep)
• Printed manual and handouts on traditional pebble paving techniques
• Materials for practice exercises
• Stone materials and tools for pavement construction

Enrollment Details

• You may purchase the full course or reserve your place with a €120 deposit (non-refundable, valid for 1 year).
• The deposit will be deducted from the total course fee.
• The remaining balance must be paid on-site the day before the course begins.