John west

I have been working in Art and design even before completing the course at Croydon College of art; was designing and painting for the local Ashcroft Theatre during my college days and did props on the feature film Privilege and painted the set for Henry Bardon’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Open Air Theatre in Regents park for the English Stage Company.

He was the Designer for WCP Associates a scenery hire company, in Windsor. It also produced sets for the Big Star Show of 1969 at The Dome in Brighton and A Christmas Carol for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon.  Both productions were designed by John.

He has also been a scenic artist on numerous productions for the theatre including: The Great Waltz at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,  The Seven year Itch at the Albury Theatre (now Noël Coward Theatre), Bequest to the Nation at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and Flint at the Criterion Theatre.  Other scenic painting includes painting the Jasper Carrot Christmas Show, that was televised from the stage of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and painting backgrounds for Anglia TV’s thriller productions and Central TV’s Spitting Image.

In recent years painting for major theme parks, such as Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor and Chessington World of Adventures has occupied my winter months.  I am always interested in designing for themed attractions.

Film work includes design credits for Brum for Ragdoll and a short film for i2i Productions in Birmingham.

Following advice from senior scenic artist at Drury Lane I spent many years designing and painting productions throughout the country including several years working freelance for the Theatre Royal and Maddermarket theatres in Norwich.  On hindsight I might have been wiser to remain in London, as much good work done beyond the M25 is disregarded. Even so, I was able to design the replica set for the ballet Le Bal in AutoCAD for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s 2007 Spring Exhibition Surreal Things for which I also did the scenic painting.

My main interest is in set design particularly for film and television. I have devoted much time to private study of art and architecture and have amassed a large library of useful reference books. When the opportunity came to study film design with Terry Ackland-Snow I took it with enthusiasm.  Cliff Bayliss of the Royal Opera originally taught me drafting for productions and the knowledge that he gave me was of considerable help.

Currently I am seeking Art Department opportunities in film as well as developing my own art work.

For further information my portfolio provides examples of my work. If you are interested in having a chat to discuss a project you can contact me.

 

John West