Helen Louise Allen

Helen Louise Allen (1902 - August 14, 1968) was a nationally known American textile historian and collector. A pioneer in the field of material culture, she was among the first in her area of study to approach textile objects as cultural records through which human nature and history could be better understood.

Allen had a lifelong passion for textiles and weaving techniques that continued from her youth through her career as a university professor, lecturer, and artist. Over time and through extensive travel, she amassed a large collection of approximately 4,000 textile artifacts used to support her teaching and research. Known today as the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, her work continues to be used by students and researchers on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Early life Helen Louise Allen was born in 1902 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was raised by her parents and maternal grandmother, Helen.

Allen was taught to knit, crochet, and embroider by her grandmother before first grade. In second grade, Allen's aptitude for design work was recognized by a teacher who called home to compliment Allen’s unique choice of color for a weaving project.

Allen was first introduced to textiles as cultural artifacts through her grandfather’s collection of Chinese fabrics acquired during a trip to the Great Wall of China. In fourth grade, Allen moved with her family to Turkey, where she lived for several years. She later obtained additional degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago. Over the next 41 years, she taught weaving, embroidery, and the history of textiles and interior design to hundreds of weaving and design students on the UW-Madison campus. Allen was known for her personal investment in her students’ success.

Allen was among the first in her field to approach textile objects as cultural records through which human nature and history could be better understood. Today, she is considered a pioneer in the field of material culture.

Over the course of her career, Allen amassed an impressive collection of approximately 4,000 textile objects for use as teaching tools in her lectures and workshops.

Allen also wrote for several craft magazines and periodicals. She was a frequent contributor to The Weaver, for which she wrote such articles as "Mexican Lace Weaving" and "A Weaver Traveling in Chile".

Death Helen Louise Allen died unexpectedly in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, on August 14, 1968. She was 66 years old. Funeral services were held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection Allen bequeathed the bulk of her estate to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in her will. Her bequest included her collection of approximately 4,000 textile objects and her personal library of books on textiles and weaving. In accordance with her final wishes, these resources officially formed the foundation of what became the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection.

In 2019, the university celebrated the golden anniversary of the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection with two exhibits dedicated to the life and legacy of Helen Louise Allen.