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Alexander Henry Hallam Murray was born into the London publishing world. Towards the end of the 18th century, one of his ancestors was looking for a business idea and founded the publishing bookshop John Murray in London. John McMurray opened a shop in London's Fleet Street, which soon became a lively meeting place for literature lovers. The publishing house was passed on strictly to the male line of descendants. A century after its foundation, the management of the publishing house was in the hands of John Murray IV. The publisher's younger brother was Alexander Henry Hallam Murray, who also entered the business world of the family firm. Hallam Murray had received an education commensurate with the family's social standing. Hallam graduated in art from the Slade School of Fine Art in London before his partnership in the publishing house. Hallam Murray showed great talent in drawing. His artistic abilities and graphic skills are used in the illustrations of the publisher's products. In addition, Hallam designs book covers for various Murray titles. The publishing house is a market leader in travel literature in the 19th century. London society loves the red travel guides produced by Murray.
When the publishing house passes completely to the next generation in 1896, the two brothers inherit the publishing house, ending the harmony in the collaboration. Hallam begins to travel and takes responsibility for the travelogues that the publishing house publishes. This is a genre Hallam Murray lives for. A falling out between the brothers ensues and Hallam leaves the publishing house. After the end of World War I, he sells his properties, which have passed into his possession from the family inheritance. Shortly afterwards Hallam Murray donates a large collection of manuscripts and historical records of British history to the British Museum. The artist seems to be winding down with his London life and preparing for a grand tour of the world.
Alexander Henry Hallam Murray followed the tradition of the travellers. Charles Gore, Thomas Hearne and Thomas Sandby were among the British artists who discovered the world. The beauty and fascination that emanated from the landscapes of distant lands captivated the British. The painters created images of their travel experiences. The preferred medium was watercolour. Art historians speak of a "British character" that is inherent in the travel descriptions. At a time when photography was coming to the fore, painting with watercolours continued to exist in British painting. By the time Hallam Murray faced the adventure of travel, the zenith of the great British watercolourists had passed. Watercolours found their application in the colouring of maps and caricatures. The representational form of realism had receded into the background. Murray pursued his painting very consistently despite this certain nostalgia. His work is timeless and awakens longings for the wonderful places the artist visited.
Alexander Henry Hallam Murray was born into the London publishing world. Towards the end of the 18th century, one of his ancestors was looking for a business idea and founded the publishing bookshop John Murray in London. John McMurray opened a shop in London's Fleet Street, which soon became a lively meeting place for literature lovers. The publishing house was passed on strictly to the male line of descendants. A century after its foundation, the management of the publishing house was in the hands of John Murray IV. The publisher's younger brother was Alexander Henry Hallam Murray, who also entered the business world of the family firm. Hallam Murray had received an education commensurate with the family's social standing. Hallam graduated in art from the Slade School of Fine Art in London before his partnership in the publishing house. Hallam Murray showed great talent in drawing. His artistic abilities and graphic skills are used in the illustrations of the publisher's products. In addition, Hallam designs book covers for various Murray titles. The publishing house is a market leader in travel literature in the 19th century. London society loves the red travel guides produced by Murray.
When the publishing house passes completely to the next generation in 1896, the two brothers inherit the publishing house, ending the harmony in the collaboration. Hallam begins to travel and takes responsibility for the travelogues that the publishing house publishes. This is a genre Hallam Murray lives for. A falling out between the brothers ensues and Hallam leaves the publishing house. After the end of World War I, he sells his properties, which have passed into his possession from the family inheritance. Shortly afterwards Hallam Murray donates a large collection of manuscripts and historical records of British history to the British Museum. The artist seems to be winding down with his London life and preparing for a grand tour of the world.
Alexander Henry Hallam Murray followed the tradition of the travellers. Charles Gore, Thomas Hearne and Thomas Sandby were among the British artists who discovered the world. The beauty and fascination that emanated from the landscapes of distant lands captivated the British. The painters created images of their travel experiences. The preferred medium was watercolour. Art historians speak of a "British character" that is inherent in the travel descriptions. At a time when photography was coming to the fore, painting with watercolours continued to exist in British painting. By the time Hallam Murray faced the adventure of travel, the zenith of the great British watercolourists had passed. Watercolours found their application in the colouring of maps and caricatures. The representational form of realism had receded into the background. Murray pursued his painting very consistently despite this certain nostalgia. His work is timeless and awakens longings for the wonderful places the artist visited.