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Hampstead Decorative Arts specialize in running trompe l'oeil and faux finish courses in London, England. Our courses cover marbling, graining, exotic finishes, murals and painted furniture and are accredited by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Trompe L'Oeil Decoration is the art of deceiving the eye that the painted finish is the real thing eg. a pair of painted columns appear to be made of real sienna marble which is now unobtainable.

With woodgraining a panelled room looks as if is made from exotic tropical hardwood. Using mural painting, antiquing and distressing walls are painted to imitate a room from Pompeii with old plaster walls decorated with frescos

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The use of Trompe L'Oeil decoration is thousands of years old. There are examples of this work carried out in Egyptian and Roman times. The techniques used today in interior decoration were well developed in Victorian times.

Students on the full time course will gain practical experience working on architectural features such as doors, columns, walls; also furniture and objets d'arts. In this way students will have a thorough grasp of Trompe L'Oeil decoration at the end of the course and be ready to work professionally.

This method of encouraging a disciplined creative practical approach to teaching in small supportive groups is unique to Hampstead Decorative Arts.

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Hampstead Decorative Arts was established in 1981 by Harry Levinson. Part time courses leading to a certificate in Decorative Painting were run by Harry Levinson for over 10 years.

Due to enquiries from UK and overseas students, it has been decided to start a full-time course. This course is therefore based on over ten years experience of teaching Decorative Arts and receives students from all over the world including Europe, USA, Asia and Japan.

Free Consultations can be obtained by contacting Harry Levinson. He will be pleased to show you his work and the panels of special finishes that students will learn to paint on the course - also to discuss the best way to start - to suit each students.

An interview before starting the full-time course is essential if a visit to London is possible.

For further information contact Harry B. Levinson