B. 1943 - 2020

Stewart Merrett was a celebrated illustrator, textile and print artist. Known for his striking compositions of bold, bright scenes reminiscent of textile applique, he is credited with helping to assert folk art as fine art. For him, art need not be “intimidating, precious or intellectual”. 

As a textile artist, Merrett created glamorous murals for master architect I.M. Pei, the Hilton and casinos in Darwin and Alice Springs. The results were simultaneously quintessentially Australian and internationally inflected, inspired by Japanese and Chinese design. 

In life, Merrett is remembered as a gregarious, passionate and supportive friend, as well as a jewel of Melbourne society. In later life, he settled in the Victorian seaside town Clunes, where he fostered a life-filled garden that mirrored his art. He is represented in numerous corporate, private and public collections, including at the National Gallery of Victoria.