London workers collaborate with the International Spiritist Movement historical Collection by E Rossi An exhibition in honour of the life and work of Allan Kardec was organised by the Union Spirite Française for the World Spiritist Congress of 2004. This historic exhibition was in honour of the bi-centennial anniversary of his birth and was jointly co-ordinated with the International Spiritist Council. However, these unique and inspired items were created by Spiritist workers in London, to be part of this exhibition. One item is an oil painting by Irene Hernanperez Malvezi that shows Allan Kardec together with his very supportive wife, Amelie Boudet, against a background of the Pont Marie in Paris. The idea for this painting was given by Dr. Marlene Nobre during a meeting at the residence of Beth Stevenson, who is the current president of the Fraternity Spiritist Group. During this meeting, mention was made about our research into some historical materials for the exhibition. Dr. Marlene was inspired to suggest that it would be very interesting if we could organise a portrait of Kardec and his beloved wife Amelie. As a result of this, our friend Irene, who at that time was working for Sir William Cookes Spiritist Society, was approached. Thus the painting was created and is now being used as a cover for magazines and DVDs, as well as a theme and illustration for Spiritist literature in general. Other outstanding items for the exhibition were the recreation of various garments that Allan Kardec used to wear. For this work we approached Maria Gomes, a highly experienced Savile Row tailor, who accepted the challenge. She thoroughly researched the cut and the patterns for the clothes, as well as the weaving of the fabrics. She also consulted experts about the modelling of historical clothes, visited museums, etc… To our joy she managed to locate a textile factory that had made the patterns and done the weaving of the cloths used during the time of Kardec. Such knowledge as this is very rare today. Thus, Allan Kardec’s suit and waistcoat, including the knot of the bow tie, were all created in exactly the same way and according to the fashion of his time. Maria Gomes is the current president of the Solidarity Spiritist Group in Wandsworth, South London. Dressmaker Luiza, who was a worker for the Fraternity Spiritist Group, undertook to make the replica dress, similar to one worn by Kardec’s beloved Amelie. Luiza found fabric very similar in colour to ones made during the 1860‘s and historically researched the design so as to create the beautiful dress exhibited next to Kardec’s garments. All these pieces were made in Britain with loving care, as a gifted contribution to the collection of the Historic Works Collection of the International Spiritist Council. They have all been shown in exhibitions for special events in other countries, including in some states in Brazil. We are grateful to the noble workers who gave all their best endeavours to create these works of art. These masterpieces gave visitors to the exhibition in Paris a chance to feel the atmosphere of Kardec’s time. buss.org.uk
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:51:54 +0000