Richard Allen (1933-99)

Richard Allen was a British painter working from the 1960s onwards in Abstract, Minimalism, Systems, Geometric, Pop and Op Art, through collages, paintings and prints.  He initially studied agricultural engineering which was then followed by National Service in the Far East.  On his return he began to study art in Worcestershire and in 1957 went to Bath Academy of Art.  Howard Hodgkin and Gwyther Irvin were among his major influences at Bath.

In the early 60s he taught at Croydon College of art alongside Bridget Riley whilst developing his own work.  By 1964 he was exhibiting his Op Art work alongside Bridget Riley, Michael Kidner and Peter Sedgley.  In 67 he had his first solo exhibition.  In 1971 he exhibited with the Matrix Group and had a solo exhibition with Angela Flowers Gallery.  He went on to exhibit across Europe, Japan and the USA and continued to teach at Universities and colleges in the UK including the Royal College of Art.  He died too young as a result of Motor Neurone Disease.