Allen Boothroyd M Des RCA, FSCD, FRSA (1943–2020) was a British industrial designer of consumer electronics, best known for the Lecson amplifiers, BBC Microcomputer and co-founder of Meridian Audio.
Inspired by his Meccano set, Allen knew from an early age that he wanted to design mechanical objects.
He was a talented draftsman and, for most of his professional life, Allen's designs were produced by hand, with 3D visuals as well as detailed engineering drawings.
Together with Bob Stuart, an award-winning electronics engineer, they designed the Lecson AC1 pre-amp and AP1 power amplifier which they produced in 1974.
By this time, Meridian Audio had become known for its state-of-the-art electronics, distinctive design style, and corporate identity.
Early designs included a new class of loudspeaker for Canon, the first Patientline (providing a phone/TV/Radio console for hospital patients), the Aga Masterchef range cooker, a coffee machine, timpani drums, and different types of loudspeaker for KEF, Celestion, THX, Russound and Pioneer.
Allen's semi-retirement provided time for him to indulge his hobbies: drawing and painting, tennis, golf, and music.
From the 1990s, he would always take his sketch pad on holiday and took pleasure in sitting in front of a historic building or view that captured his imagination.