Tadek Beutlich was not only an exceptional weaver, but a teacher too. Originally from Poland, he graduated from Camberwell School of Art and Crafts, London going on to teach in the area for a period of time.
Born in Zabrze, Poland, Beutlich’s journey as an artist was shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences, his experiences during World War II, and his relentless curiosity about the potential of fibres and natural materials.
Beutlich’s formal art education began at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Stuttgart, Germany, where he was trained in traditional art practices. However, his creative interests quickly diverged from conventional methods. After relocating to the United Kingdom in the late 1940s, he studied at the Royal College of Art in London, where he further honed his craft and developed a distinct artistic voice. His work departed from classical weaving techniques, embracing a more experimental and sculptural approach to textiles.
What set Beutlich apart in the world of textile art was his fearless exploration of materials and his refusal to be confined by traditional weaving methods. He often incorporated unconventional materials—such as sisal, hemp, raffia, and even bark—into his tapestries, creating richly textured works that blurred the line between craft and fine art. His pieces were not merely decorative; they were tactile, sculptural, and dynamic, inviting viewers to engage with them on a sensory level.
Beutlich’s commitment to innovation extended beyond his choice of materials. He developed unique weaving techniques that allowed for greater freedom and abstraction in his designs. Rejecting the rigid frameworks of conventional tapestry, he embraced open weaves, asymmetrical patterns, and three-dimensional forms. His work was deeply influenced by natural landscapes, organic forms, and an intrinsic connection to the environment, which he translated into bold, earthy compositions that felt both timeless and contemporary.
In the 1960s, Beutlich was living and working in Ditchling, Sussex where he had a large studio space. It was a very creative time for Beutlich at the point where he started to significantly move away from classical rules. He created avant-garde open weave hangings of various styles and scale, experimenting with materials such as acetate, horse hair, burnt wood, jute and x-ray film.
Throughout his career, Tadek Beutlich was also an influential educator. He taught at the Camberwell School of Art and Crafts in London, where he inspired a generation of young artists to think beyond traditional textile practices. His teaching emphasized the importance of experimentation, craftsmanship, and the tactile qualities of materials, encouraging students to explore the expressive potential of textile art. He also authored several influential books on weaving and textile techniques, including The Technique of Woven Tapestry, which remains a seminal text for students and practitioners of fibre art.
Beutlich’s work has been exhibited internationally, with pieces featured in major galleries and museums across Europe and beyond. His contributions to textile art have been recognised with numerous awards, and his work remains part of prestigious public and private collections. Despite his acclaim, Beutlich remained deeply connected to his roots and the natural world, often drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Sussex, where he lived and worked for much of his life.
