Sheffield Telegraph
Friday August 31st, 2007

Favorite Things: On the eve of Art in the Gardens, artist David Allott, who lives in Spain, paints a picture of his special Sheffield.

Sheffield reigns in Spain
Sheffield-born artist David Allott turned down the opportunity to take part in an international art show in favour of one in his home town, Art in the Gardens, tomorrow and Sunday.
Splitting his time between England and Spain, he has displayed his works in the International Art Exhibition in Marbella for the last two years.
He is self taught and has been painting for more than 20 years, visiting the four corners of the globe, experimenting with different styles, techniques and practises. You can see examples of his work at www.davidallott.com

Ewden Valley
I was raised in Bolsterstone and lived on Heads Lane. We had Stocksbridge on one side and the Ewden Valley on the other. Stocksbridge is something of a sleeping giant. With 21,000 residents it has huge potential.
For me, though, the Ewden Valley was always the main draw with it’s countryside and reservoirs. It’s a beautiful place in which I’ve enjoyed many walks. Ten minutes from Istan, where I reside in Marbella, is a similar place. Despite being on the doorstep of the Costa del Sol, it’s a terrific place for solitude.

Cúro Gallery, Middlewood Road
This year is the first time I’m exhibiting works at three events in my home town. It’s a wonderful feeling – like when I sold my first commission to Craig Smith, who runs Porterbrook Dental Practice. I have sold hundreds in Europe but to sell my first in Sheffield was special.
In addition to Art in the Gardens, my works are also on display in The Showroom in Deepcar and the lovely Cúro Gallery in Hillsborough.
Elaine and Dennis, who run the latter, are wonderful people ith great energy and a love for art. Their passion is infectious.

Watching Sheffield United Live in Marbella
You could say I’m Marbella’s answer to Sean Bean. I’m incredibly proud of my roots and I follow the blades religiously, be it here or there. You can take the guy out of Sheffield but…
I get it from my granddad. I can get quite animated when matches are shown in my local bar in Marbella. It’s a different mentality from here, though. Over here you may watch the match then head out on the town with the lads. Over there you can watch live matches all day. It’s a much more social event – a gathering with lots of banter which transfers what would be a night out to a day out.

Cubana, Trippet Lane
I lived in Majorca for a while, working for Thomson. My then boss was a guy called Luigi Bagnoli. His brother Adrian went on to own Cubana on Trippet lane.
Whenever I get the opportunity I’ll always pop in because I’m treated like family there. It’s a wonderful, vibrant venue which captures the Latin atmosphere effortlessly. Something of a home away from home.

Sheffield’s Village Mentality
It’s often said that Sheffield is the biggest village in the world-and I agree. Marbella old town has a similar feeling. I can go out there and always bump into someone I know. I have lots of friends and associates – but nothing like Sheffield.
When I’m heading back to home shores, it’s the knowledge that I’ll soon be with my closest friends and family that’s my biggest comfort. Many areas of Sheffield have a continental feel – if I head to Ecclesall road or the peace gardens on a warm sunny day I could be very well back in Marbella.