Allan Martin (born 1956, Eaglesham, Scotland) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, graphic design, and illustration. His creative journey began at the Glasgow School of Art, where he earned a Diploma of Art in Printed Textiles in 1978, followed by a travelling scholarship. After working in a graphic design studio in Glasgow, Allan moved to London in 1981, where he explored decorative painting, with one of his projects featured on the cover of Interiors magazine. His talent for illustration caught the attention of a band signed to EMI, leading to exclusive commissions as their illustrator and designer.
Allan’s career flourished as he embraced freelance graphic design, focusing on music and fashion. His collaborations included working with The Psychedelic Furs, where he developed designs and photographs in close creative partnership with lead singer Richard Butler. This period marked a significant chapter in Allan’s artistic evolution, showcasing his ability to merge visual storytelling with music.
In 2003, Allan began a transformative collaboration with his long-time friend Annie Lennox. Together, they explored the medium of photography, with Annie becoming the subject of Allan’s work. His portraits of Annie were prominently featured in her album Bare, as well as in tour brochures, press materials, and publicity campaigns worldwide. Their collaboration extended to exhibitions, including one in New York, and further albums, websites, and videos. Allan also played a vital role in archiving Annie’s extensive collection of background material, ensuring her creative legacy was meticulously preserved.
Allan’s portraits have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery acquired two of his works for their permanent collection, one of which was showcased in the 2016 touring exhibition Facing the World: Self Portraits from Rembrandt to Ai Weiwei. These exhibitions highlight Allan’s ability to capture the emotional depth and essence of his subjects, blending technical precision with artistic intuition.
Throughout his career, Allan has consistently challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of visual arts. His work reflects a deep understanding of human expression and a commitment to innovation. Whether through photography, graphic design, or illustration, Allan Martin’s contributions continue to enrich the creative world, leaving a lasting impact on both the art and music industries.
