Monday 19 February 2007

Tadek Beutlich

Vibrations 6. 1984 Esparto grass and wool 140x40cms.

Tadek Beutlich is a remarkable artist, he is a tapestry weaver, originally from Poland. He taught at Camberwell School of Art from 1951-1974. His later work is unusual because he works 'off the loom' to create these amazing abstract and figurative pieces. There is very little information available about him. I have never seen any of his work in the flesh and I think we are overdue a major show or publication about him. I found this image on the Embroiderers Guild website.

The Embroiderers Guild have an excellent publication called Embroidery which is a bi-monthly magazine - it features contemporary textile artists and traditional techniques but it is only really available from their shop in Hampton Court or by mail-order.

6 comments:

Willington Weaver said...

Hi
I stumbled upon your interesting blog when researching Tadek Beutlich.

He was one of my textile icons while I was studying for my "O" level and "A" level, way back in the early 70's!

I was lucky enough to have 4 pieces of my work selected for an exhibition with Tadek and several other textile artists, in Leeds, from April to August 2006.

Alison

Anonymous said...

My mother was in charge of his studio in Ditchling ad he taught her his techniques so she could weave his designs for him.I have now been given one of his wall hangings to sell by someone who inherited it. Have you any idea what he sells for now? Its a large jute and sisal hanging. My mother has asked him (he's in his 90s now) but he doesn't know!There's hardly any info about him on the web which amazes me!!!

Feltbug said...

Hi Liz
I have no idea - you could try contacting the Crafts Council for some advice. You have not left me a contact email - if you want you can email me - I am in contact with a tapestry weaver who might be able to advise you too.
Mandy

Unknown said...

If you'd like to see one of Tadek's pieces "in the flesh" why not come to Vision Gallery in Blackboys, East Sussex during the Uckfield Festival Show Sat 11 July-Sunday 19th 11-6pm daily. Its for sale "offers invited". See www.vision-gallery.co.uk if you want to view a picture of it.....My mother used to weave with him.

Katie Hobbs said...

Hi
I am the Assistant Curator of Contemporary Craft at Hove Museum & Art Gallery, (near Brighton). We have several Tadek pieces in our permanent collection and three are currently on display.

check out our website www.virtualmuseum.info for further information on the museum and how to find us. Any further questions please ask me.......

Unknown said...

Hi Katie
Are your pieces textiles or prints? I looked at the museum website but the link to the contemporary exhibition sections didn't work
I have a letter back from Tadek saying he can't remember what he called the piece we have here, so I'm still hoping to find an old reference to it somewhere.
Liz