Dr Christopher Allen is an art critic and historian. A graduate of the University of Sydney, Christopher has worked at the Collège de France in Paris and the National Art School, and is currently Senior Master in Academic Extension at Sydney Grammar School. He is the author of Art in Australia from Colonisation to Postmodernism (1997), French Painting in the Golden Age (2003) and several other books, including Jeffrey Smart: Unpublished Paintings 1940-2007 (2008). He was art critic of the Australian Financial Review from 2005 to 2008 and since 2008 has been national art critic for The Australian.

 

Current Tours:

Art Treasures of Tuscany and Umbria  |  12 – 24 April 2025 (13 days)

Islands of the Southern Aegean  |  29 Sep – 10 Oct 2025 (12 days)

 

Testimonials:

“Excellent knowledge and enthusiasm.”
Merilyn S.  |  Islands of Hesperia, 2022

 

“Christopher is extremely knowledgeable about art and also very entertaining in his presentations and views.”
Christine G.  |  Jeffrey Smart at the National Gallery of Australia, 2022

 

“Probably the best tour leader I have experienced.”
Margaret B.  |  Jeffrey Smart at the National Gallery of Australia, 2022

 

“He is a wonderful tour leader – so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and cares about his group. A top tour leader!”
Alisa H.  |  From Homer to Caravaggio: Sicily and Malta, 2019

 

“Christopher was such an inspiration and kept the trip alive. His wealth of knowledge on all areas of interest was exceptional.”
Ros G.  |  Islands of Hesperia, 2019

 

“Dr Allen, is always generous and enthusiastic with his information, as well as thoughtful and kind to all with their individual needs.”
Diane C.  |  Cyprus: Crossroads of Culture, 2019

 

I learnt a lot from Christopher. Always happy to answer questions in the most humorous and thoughtful way. A great choice of tour leader!’’
Stany D.  |  Persian Paradox, 2018

Other Tour Leaders

Alan Dodge

Alan Dodge is former Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia. He came to…

Read more

Alex McKay

Alex McKay is a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society in London and the author…

Read more

Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright joined The Australian Ballet in 2004 before travelling to Europe in 2007 on…

Read more

Andy Bromberger

Andy Bromberger’s musical career began as a professional clarinetist teaching and playing in numerous orchestras…

Read more

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive news and updates.

Follow us: