Allinson was born in London, his mother was a portrait painter and his father a doctor. He originally studied medicine before studying at the Slade School of Fine Art; fellow students included Nevinson, Stanley Spencer and Edward Wadsworth. Allinson exhibited with the London Group, the New English Art Group and at the Royal Academy. In addition to painting, he became chief scenic designer for the Beecham Opera Company, designed posters for the railways, the Empire Marketing Board and taught at the City of Westminster College. During the 2nd World War he was appointed an official war artist, contributing work for the Dig for Victory campaign. A retrospective exhibition was held at the Fine Art Society, London in 1984.

Glossary

  • Painting

    Work of art made with paint on a surface. Often the surface, also called a support, is a tightly stretched piece of canvas, paper or a wooden panel. Painting involves a wide range of techniques and materials, along with the artist's intellectual concerns effecting the content of a work.