Andrew Douglas Ambrose Murrell b. 22 July 1945

  • Artist (Painter)
Murrell was an oil painter, art collector and prominent South Australian art and antiques dealer in the 1980s. He operated from London House in Strathalbyn. He became active in the late 1980s as a painter, exhibiting at the Sailmakers Gallery in Port Adelaide. A portrait of Andrew Murrell by Timothy Messack was a finalist in the Doug Moran portrait prize in 1987.

Andrew Douglas Ambrose Murrell was born on the 22nd of July 1945 in South Australia. Andrew spent his childhood years in Thebarton with father John William Murrell, mother Beatrice Alice Calvert, sister Helen Calvert Murrell, brother Timothy Murrell, sister Ruth Barbour (nee Murrell) and brother William (Bill) Murrell. In a family of doctors and engineers, Andrew was more inclined towards creativity. After a career in Channel Nine and Ansett Airlines, he dived completely to the world of art as an oil painter.

Andrew’s career began during a period of alcohol rehabilitation at a half-way house in Semaphore from 1988-89. His artistic style is described as unique and deeply spiritual, often utlising Monet-like colour. Andrew held several sold-out exhibitions during his time as an artist. One of his iconic work, “Mrs Brewster Jones’ Garden in Victor Harbor”, now hands in the Fairview Art Collection in Perth.

Andrew’s instinct to collect art is a gift for him. His philosophy extended beyond his artistic endeavors to his approach to collecting. He believed in never becoming too attached to a painting and predominantly invested in works by artists who had passed away, considering them better investments. Andrew passed away on October 9, 2023 in Mannum.

Writers:

ArtPhD
Date written:
2024
Last updated:
2024