Born in 1894 in Sheffield, Allen studied at Sheffield Technical Art School before losing a leg in the army in WWI. Upon return, he eventually joined the Yorkshire School of Artists and began exhibiting at the RA. Represented in numerous provincial galleries.

With the cooperation of the family, the estate, collectors, corporations and museums, 'HARRY EPWORTH ALLEN - CATALOGUE OF HIS WORKS' was published in 1993, compiled by John Basford, David Naylor & Steve Earnshaw. All known works by HE Allen were catalogued and listed.

All the works in this collection are itemised in the Basford Raisonee.