About the artist
Ted Allan was originally from Arizona but began his career in Los Angeles, copying still photos into vibrant drawings, paintings, and pastels for Metropolitan Theatre lobbies. He went on to open a portrait studio in Hollywood, capturing the essence of actors with his lens. His work included shooting portraits for prominent studios and stills for films like Samson and Delilah and The Ten Commandments. Later, he founded Ted Allan Film Studios, dabbling in documentaries and low-budget films.
He took portraits of stars such as Jean Harlow and Clark Gable, transforming ordinary individuals into ethereal objects of fantasy through inventive poses, dramatic lighting, and expert retouching.