Nicholas Stone

Nicholas Stone is the author of Symbol of Divine Light: The Lamp in Islamic Culture and Other Traditions, a richly illustrated book that is a survey of the history of the mosque lamp within Islam, as well as an exploration of the deep significance of light and the lamp in Islamic culture but also in other traditions (Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Hindu).

Mr. Stone’s background is as an architect dedicated to using traditional forms and techniques. Early in his career he worked with the Egyptian architect Abdel Wahed El-Wakil on projects reviving traditional brickwork techniques — notably at Al-Qiblatain Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Thereafter he worked on domes for the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, involving Islamic craft work, and further dome projects in Malaysia, where he and his family lived for many years.

During their years in Malaysia, Mr. Stone and his wife, Nazanin Sheikhi, established a design company. Among their many projects, they undertook the design of  the atrium of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya; the design and construction of the prayer niche (mihrab), pulpit (minbar) and honeycomb vaults (muqarnas) for Al-Bukhary Mosque in Alor Setar; tropical house and Islamic garden designs; as well as the design and fabrication of a perforated brass mosque lamp, which ultimately led to the publication of Symbol of Divine Light: The Lamp in Islamic Culture and Other Traditions.