Painter and draughtsman most noted for portraits and figure studies, born at Cheadle Heath, Cheshire, son of Harry Allan, a shipper. Studied at Manchester School of Art and Slade School of Fine Art. Exhibitions included RSW, RA, RBSA, RCamA, Wertheim Gallery and Senefelder Club in London and Chicago. Solo shows included XXI Gallery, 1928; Salon Club in Manchester, 1930, and at Mid-Day Studios, 1947, where he was a member of the progressive Manchester Group encouraged by Margo Ingham. Salford Art Gallery and Manchester University hold his works as does Manchester City Art Gallery which has his portrait of Kenneth Russell Brady. In 1933, seeking to borrow it in a bid to get RBA membership, Allan wrote that he thought “it would open a new field of attack” as it was “perhaps the best portrait I have done so far.