RICHARD ALLEN (1933-1999)
Untitled
stamped with estate mark (on the canvas overlap)
wax, charcoal and cellulose acetate on canvas, unframed
106 x 106 cm (41 3/4 x 41 3/4 in)
painted in 1994


Richard Allen (1933-1999) was a British Minimalist, Abstract, Systems, Fundamental, and Geometric painter, and printmaker who worked prolifically from 1960 until his death in 1999. Born in Worcester, Allen initially trained as an agricultural engineer. After National Service, he attended Worcester Art School, later going on to complete his studies at Bath Academy of Art in 1957.

Allen's mature work moved through a series of important phases. Early Pop poster collages drew directly from his stay in Italy, and by the mid-1960s, he had developed his own form of Op (Optical) Art, showing with Michael Kidner and Bridget Riley. In the 70s, Allen became a member of the Matrix Group, organised by Malcolm Hughes. Allen's work had since become increasingly Minimalist and Fundamental. With his innovative techniques, he stopped using colour and began working primarily with charcoal and cellulose acetate on canvas.

The present work represents an excellent example of Allen’s late utilisation of charcoal and cellulose on canvas.