He won the John Moores Liverpool Exhibition Prize in 1989, was Gregory Fellow in Sculpture at University of Leeds 1991–93 and Research Fellow in Sculpture at Manchester Metropolitan University in 1993.

He received a fine art award to work at the British School at Rome in 1997.

[5] Allington's work was influenced by his interest in the classical world of Greece and Rome and often included references to architectural details and ancient artefacts.

[6] His illusionistic drawings were often created on found ledgers and used oblique projection.

[7] He exhibited in museums and art galleries throughout the world and is represented in major national and international collections.