It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague David Allen, who died in his beloved Berlin earlier this month.
David was Strategic Development Director at the galleries, joining in the mid 80s. Without David there would be no Southwark Park Galleries.
He was an inspiring, kind, caring and fiercely intelligent colleague with a wicked sense of humour; a true joy to work with, hugely multi-talented, and taught us all so very much over almost 40 years. We cannot believe that he is no longer with us.
David was an incredible artist and photographer, dedicating much of his life to documenting the evolving cityscape and docklands of his much loved South London and Berlin.
He’d been a skilled photographer from his early years, following in his father’s and grandfather’s s footsteps, developing professional skills he later honed while studying at the Polytechnic of Central London, (now The University of Westminster), leading to his first jobs as a photographer for Lewisham Council and British Rail.
David never went digital and to this day he remained committed to the magic of analogue film, predominantly in monochrome. He recently presented a stunning new body of work focussing on the Prenzlauer Berg and Weißensee neighbourhoods at Berlin’s Solitaire Galerie.
David joined The Bermondsey Artists Group in 1984 and soon became an invaluable member of the new gallery founded in Southwark Park, then known as Cafe Gallery . Working alongside founder Ron Henocq, David soon established himself as the beating heart of the charity fighting over 3 decades to source the public funds needed to ensure our galleries remain here and free, for everyone.
Over the years David led the organisation through 2 major capital projects, including the successful rescue of our beautiful Grade II Listed Dilston Gallery in the 90s, and ensured its custodianship and enjoyment by artists and Southwark residents for many generations to come.
David fell in love with Berlin in 1991 when a new artist exchange bridging cultural dialogues and communities was established between the Prenzlauer Berg and Southwark councils. Moving there in 2010, he worked remotely with Southwark Park Galleries until his passing. Despite his geographical distance, David remained a core member of our small team and his absence is sorely felt.
Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends across the world at this extremely difficult time.
David Allen 28/3/1961 – 7/6/2025
Enjoy David’s beautiful photographs online via his website, and listen to David describe his life’s work here.
