Keith Albarn, born 1939, studied architecture [3yrs.] and sculpture [N.D.D.] and later [90] became a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers began his career by working in the theatre, then formed Keith Albarn and Partners Ltd. [64], Environmental Design Consultants whose work included Ekistikit [modular furniture and building systems], Playlearn, equipment for babies [for Rank REC], autistic children and adults [events and fun palaces], toys [Design Centre Award] and exhibitions including contributing to Serendipity [I.C.A. London 70], designing and making World of Islam [I.C.A.74, reworked as Islamathematica for Rotterdam 75]] and Illusion in Art and Science [I.C.A.76 and New York 77].
Meanwhile, he was drawn into teaching, firstly as a Visiting Lecturer to many universities, societies etc., then as Principal Lecturer in Fine Art [74-81 at the now University of East London],then moved to Colchester Institute [A.P.U.] as Head of School of Art, Design and Media [81-97] during which time he also set up the first School of Design in Mauritius, instigated [and taught morphology] on the B.A.Hons. Art and Design students and co-authored and tutored the first M.A. Health and the Arts.
Publications include numerous articles and papers for art, education and science journals, broadcasts on radio and television and coauthored books, Language of Pattern for Thames and Hudson 74, Diagram-the instrument of thought also for T.H. 77 and contributed to Teaching Art and Mathematics for Stanley Unwin 91.
In the Community he has been a Trustee/Director/Instigator of the Minories Gallery, the Art Centre, Cuckoo Farm Studios and Chair of the Colchester District Visual Arts Trust and was given the Colchester Arts for All Award by the Borough in 93.
As an Artist he has contributed [installations,sculpture and/or prints] to solo, two person, group shows and architectural commissions throughout his career [venues include I.C.A. and Whitechapel in London, the Minories and Firstsite in Colchester as well as those above in New York and Rotterdam] and has work in a number of private collections.
Currently, retired from teaching, he has returned to London intending to work full-time on his own explorations in art. design, number and perception [the nature of creativity] with plans to exhibit and publish in the near future, acting also as occasional consultant in these and related fields.
Keith Albarn, Flat 46,Academy Apartments,Institute Place,London E8 1JZ. Tel./Fax. No. 020 8533 1633.