INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTIST

Born in Framlingham in Suffolk, the youngest son of John Allen one of the towns butchers.

Framlingham being in the heart of the countryside made a great impression on him, over the years.  At an early age, he would be found sketching and painting, mainly birds and mammals. 

At the age of fifteen, he joined the army as a junior Bandsman and then the Regiment of the 1st Royal Anglians (Norfolk and Suffolk).  He may have had an instrument in his hands, but there was always a brush behind his ear, and he even managed to get himself a studio whilst serving in Germany.  By this time, he was studying the art of oil painting with the ambition of becoming a professional artist. 

On leaving the forces he decided to live in Norwich, working for Lawrence & Scotts Electro motors as an Industrial Artist.  Studying under Leslie Davenport mainly portraiture at the Norwich School of Art. He also joined the Norfolk and Norwich art Circle.

In 1977 he turned professional, working on landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, still life whilst still finding time to under take a bit of teaching to make ends meet.

He exhibited widely across East Anglia including many one man shows and also exhibited at several London Galleries.

His work has been accepted by both the Royal Academy and Royal miniature Society.  Examples of his work can be found in important collections both in this country and abroad.