Title

David Murray: Colonist and collector extraordinaire.

Author

Carroll, Alison.

Source

Australian Antique Collector. (Sydney).

Details

Jan./June 1985, pages 68-71.

Publication date

January 1985

Type

Essay/article | Periodical

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

Art benefactor and print collector David Murray (1829-1907), a merchant and politician, was born on 28 December 1829 at Anstruther, Fife, Scotland, son of William Murray. He arrived in South Australia with his brother William in 1853 and they set up a retail drapery store in Gilbert Place, Adelaide. In 1855 they moved to larger premises in Grenfell Street where a wholesale department was added. In 1862 they turned entirely to wholesale trade and in 1866 moved to a site in King William Street. Next year they opened a clothing factory and later others for boots and shirts. In 1874 Murray opened an indent and merchandise department and in conjunction with the firm's London agency built up a large import and export business. In 1886 the firm moved into an impressive new warehouse in Gawler Place. In 1897 the firm became a limited liability company. Branches were opened in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Launceston, Rockhampton, Townsville and Broken Hill. As an art collector and critic, he acted with others as a buyer on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Public Library. He also left £2000 to the Flinders Street Church and £5000 to the Presbyterian Church of South Australia, £3000 and all his prints and engravings to the Art Gallery, and £2000 to found scholarships in the University of Adelaide where he had been elected to the council in 1887.