Kathleen Allen facts for kids

Kathleen Saywell Allen (1906–1983) was a talented British artist. She was a painter, a muralist (someone who paints on walls), a designer, and an art teacher. Kathleen Allen is famous for her paintings of cities. She especially captured scenes of London being rebuilt after World War II.

Her Early Life and Training

Kathleen Allen was born in Chiswick, a part of London, in 1906. When she was a child, she had a long illness. Because of this, she was taught at home until she was 14 years old.

From 1920 to 1924, she went to Bromley Country School for Girls. Later, she studied art at the famous Royal College of Art. After finishing her studies in 1928, Kathleen started teaching art. She taught in many schools in London and other parts of England.

She also spent time painting large murals on walls in Kent and Warwickshire. In 1936, she came back to London. She set up her own art studio in Fetter Lane. She also continued her art education at the Slade School of Art.

Art During Wartime

During World War II, Kathleen Allen stayed in London. She kept teaching art during this difficult time. One day a week, she would visit factories. She sketched scenes of people working to help the war effort.

Sadly, most of her artwork from the war was lost. Her studio was destroyed during the Blitz. The Blitz was a time when German planes bombed London heavily.

However, one of her paintings survived. It was a watercolour called Tacking Boots. The War Artists' Advisory Committee bought this painting. It shows a woman working on a black boot at a machine. You can see this painting today at the Imperial War Museum. In 1959, her work was shown in an exhibition there called Some Women Artists.

Life After the War

After World War II ended, Kathleen Allen became a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths' College. This is a well-known art school. She worked there until 1966.

She retired as the main lecturer and head of art and design. This allowed her to focus completely on her painting. In 1954, she also became a member of a special group called the Worshipful Company of Painters and Stainers.

Kathleen Allen's artwork is now in many public collections. You can find her paintings in places like the Museum of London. Other places include the University of Liverpool and Morley College. The Imperial War Museum also keeps records about her life and work.