Richard Allan London: engaging art in public areas

From an era of counter culture to 21st century refinement, Richard Allan London makes artwork prints from its extensive archive of 1960s and 70s silk scarf designs. A fusion of nostalgia and modernism with distinct colour schemes and patterns, the prints are boldly unpredictable, unique and visually interesting, evoking an atmosphere of optimism, energy and warmth, inherently appealing in a wide range of settings.  

Image caption: The Elsa | Image credit: Roly Roques-O’Neil

Whether embracing the genre as a whole or curating spaces based on specific themes, the Richard Allan London collection is cohesive and sophisticated. Take a theme of nature perhaps, using bold floral designs, a signature of 1960s fashion and decor, such as Elsa — large, stylised flowers with strong contrasts — bright, lively and cheerful, giving a feel good factor, perfect for places where you want to create a welcoming, light-hearted atmosphere; or present graphic foliage designs with fresh, appealing colour contrasts or quiet neutrals which are harmonious and relaxing.  Also within a natural theme are minimalist abstract landscapes like design Zen — a garden of serenity with water bringing renewal, calm and continuity — are intriguing and restful.   

Image caption: The Zen | Image credit: Roly Roques-O’Neil

Other design themes could include flowing sculptural abstract forms such as Hepworth or Geometric patterns, such as the Manhattan print, with its clean lines and soothing colour palettes – visually striking and very chic.  Op Art designs, focussing on patterns that create illusions of movement and depth, or hidden images within a design are captivating, dynamic and fun whilst retaining style and charm. And of course, Psychedelia with swirling, undulating forms and abstract fluid shapes are joyous, playful and visually uplifting, creating a lively, happy atmosphere. 

Image caption: The Hepworth | Image credit: Roly Roques-O’Neil

Richard Allan London is known for its use of colours in gorgeous combinations and shades to savour, whether to achieve a vibrant, exciting environment or a sense of muted style with subtle neutrals. Their monochromes too are wonderfully effective contributing graceful refinement to a space. The team is happy to develop bespoke colours to work with interior palettes as well as resize prints to align proportionally within each setting. 

Practically speaking, Richard Allan London achieves stunning results in both colour and image definition with Giclee printing. Colours are at once bright and soft, natural hues, accurately achieving their signature blends.  The prints sit beautifully on painted walls or wallpaper and using archival inks and papers, the finish is clear and fresh. As an alternative, from its history producing silk scarves since 1962, Richard Allan offers archive designs on silk: framed silk designs produce a different finish of opulent lustre, similarly individual and telling the story of a creative, iconic era. Whether choosing art prints on paper or silk, Richard Allan offers a bespoke framing service to source frames that compliment the overall interior spec, bringing the finishing touch. 

Image credit: Roly Roques-O’Neil

This is art that captivates, shifts the mood, and enhances the beauty of any area. With its rich backstory, Richard Allan London designs transform a space into a unique and creative environment, where the art resonates, and elevates enjoyment of the surroundings: it is more than decoration—it is art to engage with and return to, becoming a beloved part of a venue. Art and decor work hand in hand to create a more positive, memorable customer experience, both visually and emotionally. The history and enduring appeal of Richard Allan London’s designs bring timeless charm and versatility, seamlessly fitting into diverse settings with contemporary elegance whether in intimate rooms, grand lobbies, or expansive public areas. 

Richard Allan London is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Roly Roques-O’Neil