B. 1902-1989

Arthur Murch was born in Sydney, where he spent much of life as a painter, sculptor and teacher. Murch showed a talent for drawing from a young age, studying at the Royal Art Society of New South Wales under Dattilo Rubbo between 1921 and 1925. He was taught sculptural practices from Raynor Hoff, with Murch’s sculptures winning him the Travelling Art Scholarship in 1925. It was through this scholarship that he travelled to Paris, London and Italy, where he was introduced to European Renaissance Art. Towards the end of his studies, Murch was working as an apprentice engineer, but after an eye injury, he ultimately decided to dedicate his time to becoming a full-time artist. The injury to his eye made him more sensitive to light outdoors, bringing context to the tones of his paintings which tend to represent and sway to either bright sunlight, or dark interiors. 

Showing interest in Australian Indigenous art, Murch traveled to Hermannsburg in 1933, and again the following year. The diversity of his experiences as a young artist is reflected in his prolific art career, spanning different mediums and disciplines, and not ascribing to any particular style or movement. He developed a close working relationship with Australian artist George Lambert, and together they created many public memorial sculptures across Australia. Murch also won the Archibald Prize in 1949.

Athur Murch is a significant artist of the 20th Century and is represented in most Australian public galleries, including the Australian War Memorial and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

For a more in-depth biography of this artist, click here.