John Allen is without doubt one of world’s great textile designers. Now approaching his 90th year he is equally at home working with the weavers of Tibet, the luxury brand Loewe or as an educationalist. Allen’s latest collection of bespoke, stunning and joyful wall carpets, called John Allen - Woven England, was premiered at Goldmark Gallery in October 2023. goldmarkart.com
This Goldmark Films production, itself titled John Allen - Woven England, filmed at the designer’s marvellous and eccentric London home, almost defies the viewer not to fall in love with the man. He has had three major heart attacks and comments: “Every carpet is a bonus because I’m on borrowed time … every moment of every day is really important. So I am going to jolly well enjoy them”.
So enjoy this journey through Woven England with him and prepare to be enchanted by a kaleidoscope of colours and designs as Allen unveils his vision. With a passion for blending art and nature, these works are a testament to his deep emotional connection with the English landscape, each carpet telling a vivid story of rolling hills, serene meadows, and tranquil waters. Through his masterful use of colour and design, Allen transports the viewer, allowing us to be immersed in the beauty of the landscapes he adores.
A child of working class upbringing, John Allen initially trained as a dental technician, helped in the family coal business and undertook National Service in the Army before finally enrolling on textiles courses at Camberwell and the Royal College of Art. At the latter he became a critical member of the faculty, setting up their first knitting course in 1977, lecturing, and being made an official fellow in 1985. In 1989 he left to concentrate on his own work, and in the three decades since he has worked for some of the biggest names in fashion. A recent edition of bags and towels for Loewe featuring Allen’s designs sold out twice to VIP collectors before it even reached the shelves.
Allen works very closely with master weavers in Nepal, using hand dyed wool and silk and techniques that push them to the very limits of their exceptional capabilities. Many of the carpets featured in the film take up to 3 months to weave.
Goldmark Films, the four-time East Region Royal Television Society Award-nominated independent filmmaking arm of the world renowned Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, presents this short documentary. With over 20 years of experience, Goldmark Films has produced 24 feature-length documentaries and more than 100 shorts.
In this intimate and honest short film John Allen talks about his life and ambitions - and his health. The film underscores why Allen’s own global reputation is so deserved and immerses the viewer in the beauty of the landscapes Allen adores. Bursting with its subject’s energy, John Allen - Woven England finds Allen at the very height of his powers and captures both the integrity and talent of a supremely likeable and good man.
What is Goldmark?
A family business started by Mike Goldmark, we've been selling art from the Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, UK for over 50 years and hold over 50,000 items in stock. Explore a wide range of the very best art and ceramics available to you through our website goldmarkart.com where you'll also find scholarship pages, books, online catalogues and even Goldmark.TV Enjoy your visit here: goldmarkart.com
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1 окт 2024
