Gordon Allen has had a successful career as a professional local artist since 1970. Born in 1945 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, he grew up on his father’s farm in ‘Ebbesbourne Wake’, Wiltshire, and started painting whilst at school where he sold drawings of popstars to his friends. It was whilst on holiday at Mevagissey, Cornwall he met the artist Jack Baron, who taught the 11 year old techniques of drawing and watercolour painting. At 16 he left school and moved to Brixham with his paintings where he joined Brixham Art Society and got ‘write ups’ in the local press and “Western Morning News”, saying that he was “highly recommended” for such a young person. However it was a little time before Gordon realised his ambition to become an artist, as he entered the building industry carrying out bricklaying and other building work. A big influence in the early years was Don Hughes, who was already established on the harbourside when Gordon started, and they painted side by side. Don taught him on how to be loose and creative.