Books published by publisher Tarquin Group

June Oliver shows how patterns can be built from tiles, which are squares, triangles or hexagons. She shows how to design tiles which are particularly interesting and which fit together to make attractive patterns. Included are twelve full pages of patterns to color, together with their original tiles, giving a clear demonstration of the possibilities of the technique.

An alphabet book with charming surprises is the best way to describe this collection of cunning pictures. Each contains special hidden images which are only revealed by using the card mirror provided. Find just the right place to put the mirror, and the mad pianist becomes an astronomer looking at the moon. An explorer in the desert becomes the pyramids he is looking for and an octopus becomes a bunch of flowers. Excellent for reinforcing reading skills as well introducing reflection all wrapped up as fun.

Following the pattern of her previous book, this second collection by Hilary McElderry offers new pictures to color and further opportunity and encouragement for children to learn and practise their multiplication tables. It is intended to act as an encouragement for children to learn their tables. On every page there are diagrams made up of small numbered areas. If that number will divide by the number being studied, then the area has to be colored or shaded. When all the target areas of a particular puzzle are colored, then the hidden picture is revealed. There are also other charts and hundred squares to color and the book is then rounded off with a target test to confirm the progress being made.

Plaiting and braiding have a long history. They encompass decorating hair, weaving and basketmaking as well as making knots. So it is surprising that John Gorham seems to have been the first person to have looked at the subject systematically. The main part of this book is a reprint of his 1888 work on plaiting crystal models has been an inspiration to many others working in this field, notably Robert Pargeter and Jean Pedersen. Along with Robert Pargeter and James Bruntons articles in the Mathematical Gazette Gorhams work is here reproduced. The ideas were extensively covered in Mathematical Models by Cundy and Rollett, also reprinted by Tarquin. It is through this book and Pargeter's article that Gorham's techniques have been kept alive. The book itself has been rare and most references to it are only as a result of Pargeter having quoted it as his source. Through this reprint the work can be more widely read and admired by mathematicians, plaiters and crystallographers, as well as historians of science and mathematics.

Roman geometric patterns radiate symmetry and order. Drawing the patterns is not just a question of mechanically copying the work of someone else square by square, but of understanding the underlying structure. The patterns are built up from simple elements which seem to ‘grow’ and develop in an almost organic or living way. This book is arranged as a series of drawing exercises. There is no better way of appreciating the skill and imagination of those artists than by drawing their designs yourself. To ‘feel’ how a cross ‘grows’ into a swastika pattern which then ‘grows’ into a complex interlocking design is something which can only be experienced at first hand. This second edition incorporates the same “drawing led” approach to learning about the subject and as such is invaluable in using the designs for contemporary mosaic, or pattern, design. New photographs and updated text strengthen this approach further. Ideal for schools, shops in or near Roman remains, and historical and art/design sections of shops.

Patterns from Islamic architecture and art that are a rich and wonderful source for those wanting to explore the boundaries of art and mathematics. The patterns in this book are from some of the world's great mosques, as well as mosaics, doors and windows from the Muslim world. Each is explored and demonstrated so that they can be used in your own designs. They are perfect follow up activities for trips to these magnificent places. Robert Field has travelled extensively and has taken his camera and a keen eye with him wherever he has gone. Many people will be both surprised and delighted by the sheer number and variety of interesting patterns that he has discovered. This is one of a series of Geometric Patterns books that will appeal both to those who have a particular interest in the topic covered but also to those who are looking for a rich resource of pattern designs.

A card mirror (provided) is the key to this amazing exploration of visual and verbal connections. Each of the pictures can be transformed by means of the mirror into a pair of opposites. Concepts like open and shut, tidy and untidy, ancient and modern are each illustrated by placing the mirror in just the right places on what seem to be perfectly normal pictures. Ideal to introduce concepts of opposites and reflection. A delight to children of 5 and well upwards. Probably many adults too.

The wonderful thing about mathematical art is that the most beautiful geometric patterns can be produced without needing to be able to draw, or be ‘good at art’. Mathematical art is accessible to learners of all ages: its algorithmic nature means that it simply requires the ability to follow instructions carefully and to use a pencil and ruler accurately. It is engaging, enriching, thoroughly enjoyable and is a great leveller in the classroom. Learners who may not normally shine in mathematics lessons will take your breath away with their creativity. Those who struggle with their mathematics will experience the joy of success through their mathematical art-making. The six Artful Maths activities in this book are hands-on tasks that will develop important skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and design thinking, which is a valuable form of problem-solving. Decisions need to be made about placement, size and colour, all of which entail thinking about measurements, proportions and symmetry. They can be undertaken alone or with a teacher to draw out the mathematics underlying the patterns and to practice key content in the school curriculum. For ages 9 to 16+. Contents: Curves of Pursuit, Mazes and Labyrinths, Impossible Objects, Epicycloids,Perfect Proportions, Parabolic Curves.

A collection of self-moving models to cut out and make: Make these delightful models and see them step their self-propelled way down to the bottom of a gentle slope. A clever paper mechanism transfers their weight from foot to foot, so giving a true and charming walking action. Fun to make and fun to play and experiment with! You can make: The Waddling Duck The Noah's Ark The Outback Kangaroo The Blue Footed Booby The Pirate Ship The Orange Duckling The Yellow Duckling Guidance on how to make your own is provided.

The wonderful thing about mathematical art is that the most beautiful geometric patterns can be produced without needing to be able to draw, or be ‘good at art'. Mathematical art is accessible to learners of all ages: its algorithmic nature means that it simply requires the ability to follow instructions carefully and to use a pencil and ruler accurately. It is engaging, enriching, thoroughly enjoyable and is a great leveller in the classroom. Learners who may not normally shine in mathematics lessons will take your breath away with their creativity. Those who struggle with their mathematics will experience the joy of success through their mathematical art-making. The six Artful Maths activities in this book are hands-on tasks that will develop important skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and design thinking, which is a valuable form of problem-solving. Decisions need to be made about placement, size and colour, all of which entail thinking about measurements, proportions and symmetry. They can be undertaken alone or witha teacher to draw out the mathematics underlying the patterns and to practice key content in the school curriculum. For ages 9 to 16+. Contents: Curves of Pursuit, Mazes and Labyrinths,Impossible Objects, Epicycloids,,Perfect Proportions, Parabolic Curves.

Tarquin Popups are a special kind of do it yourself activity book. Not only is there the fun of making the scenes and seeing them popup but they are full of interesting information and ideas. This book contains six main scenes to make: Knossos, the Palace of Minos, the Lion Gate at Mycenae, the Battle of Salamis, the Golden Age of Athens, the Theatre, Alexander the Great and King Porus. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colourful three dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can.