Jim Allen Archive

Jim Allen (b1922) is a leading figure in post-object art in New Zealand. Allen was the inaugural recipient of the NZ Art Societies Travelling Scholarship in 1948. From 1949-52 Allen attended the Royal College of Art, London and upon his return to New Zealand was made a field officer for the Northern Maori Project by the Department of Education. The innovative 'hands on' art making Allen witnessed in Northland was to have a lasting impression on his subsequent approach to education. Allen became Head of Sculpture, Elam School of Fine Arts, during his time at the University of Auckland (1960-76) and Founding Head of Sydney College of Arts School (1977-1987).

Allen's art practice moved from crafted sculptures to environments and performances. In recent years, Allen has restaged a number of his early works.

This archive consists of correspondence, photographic and audiovisual material, exhibition ephemera and catalogues, documents, notes, reports, monographs and journals.