Richard Allen October 2004

Born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1964, an Art Foundation Course at Brighton was followed by a Degree in Graphic/Illustration at Kingston Polytechnic. Starting as a freelance illustrator in advertising, publishing and newspapers, my work has gradually drifted towards my main interest of birds and wildlife, especially after winning "British Birds", Bird Illustrator of the Year 1993. A keen birder from an early age, the bird rich estuaries and marshes of the Essex coast where I live have fuelled a passion for field-sketching. Recent travels to China, USA, S.E. Asia, Senegal and many parts of Europe have continued this interest and numerous sketchbooks have been filled. The experience gained in the field has been put to good use in the many books illustrated. These include, "Concise Birds of the Western Palearctic", "The Handbook of Birds of the World", "A Field Guide to the Birds of South East Asia" and the recently published "Sunbirds and Flowerpeckers" (Amazon USA link or Amazon UK link). Current projects include a book on Birds of Paradise and illustrating a regular gardening column in "The Times" newspaper. I have moved to Wivenhoe on the Colne estuary, next to a wood with Nightingales and woodpeckers to tempt me away from the drawing board. 1984 Foundation Studies, (Art & Design), Brighton Polytechnic 1987 BA Hons Graphic Design, Kingston Polytechnic 1988 Second Prize, Reader’s Digest Young Illustrators Competition 1993 Winner "British Birds" Bird Illustrator of the Year Competition Regularly exhibited at the Society of Wildlife Artists exhibition, Mall Galleries, London 14th October 2004, Colne Point, Essex Adult male Peregrine sat in ploughed stubble field for half an hour before it succumbed to temptation and chased after the Starling flocks. Singling out a lone bird it chased it’s victim down, the Starling only escaping by landing and crouching on the ground. 20th October 2004, Abberton reservoir, Essex Lapwing, one amongst a flock of fifty resting on the floating mat of algae, the wind ruffling it’s crest. 24th October 2004, St.Mary’s, Isles of Scilly Cream-coloured Courser, 1st winter on the golf course, a bit bedraggled after a heavy shower, but feeding actively. It was very tame, and allowed a close approach, being completely oblivious to our presence as it strutted across the greens. 25th October 2004, Ovenbird, St.Mary’s, Isles of Scilly A mad dash from the boat back from Agnes up to Trenoweth, finds us watching this irresistible yankie warbler stalking amongst the bracken under the pines. It showed extremely well, turned it’s head to show the crown pattern as it searched the needle litter.