Jim Allen

Jim Allen was born in Wellington. After serving in the Second World War, he undertook art studies at Perugia University and Instituto d’Arte Florence, Italy.

On his return to New Zealand he enrolled at the Ilam School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury where he studied under Francis Shurrock (Head of Sculpture), and graduated with a Diploma of Fine Arts in 1948. Following this, he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Art London and was made an Associate three years later.

In December 1952 he was recruited by Gordon Tovey (New Zealand Department of Education) to work as field officer to the Northern Māori Experimental Art Project. He was with the programme from 1953 to 1955, and worked at Oruaiti School. He subsequently held a position as liaison organiser to secondary schools.

In 1960, Allen joined the staff at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, as an Associate Professor. His influence in this role has been recognised as transformational for both sculpture within the school and for contemporary art in New Zealand. From 1977 to 1987 he was the founding head of the School of Art at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.

See also:

• Profile on Te Tumu Toi Art Foundation.
• ‘Visual artist Jim Allen dies, aged 100’ by Conor Knell and André Chumko (June 14, 2023).
• ‘Interview with Jim Allen’ posted by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
• A Jim Allen Archive is held by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki