The Collection of Murray Shaw (1954-2023)

Murray Shaw was born in Christchurch in May 1953, and raised with a taste for the finer things in life. At his funeral in March 2023, his friends and family recalled his love of fine wines, architecturally designed homes, French cuffs, along with his frequent travels throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The many artists who filled St Matthew-in-the-City with music and song to celebrate his life were testament to his deep connection to the arts in Aotearoa.

Upon leaving Christchurch Boys High, where he excelled in the arts and theatre, Murray went to Canterbury University, graduating with a master’s degree in law and commerce, with honours. He then entered the business world, founding an enterprise recruiting medical professionals from around the world and facilitating their arrival to work here in New Zealand. Selling the business he built enabled him to focus on his great passion of supporting the arts.

Murray’s contribution to the arts sector is a significant one. Not only was he a patron and generous donor, he frequently gave his entrepreneurial and organisational skills to the benefit of many. Eulogies noted his contribution to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade while he was living in New York. He was on the Arts Council, the boards of New Zealand on Air and Opera New Zealand, he became a trustee and later General Manager of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and was Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Symphony Orchestra. Chamber Music New Zealand also enjoyed his support. Murray was a friend and long-time supporter of the Right Honourable Helen Clark and organised numerous fundraising events for the Labour Party and more recently the Helen Clark Foundation.

Murray’s interests also extended onto the water, and he owned several classic ‘Waitemata Woody’s’, each of which he carefully restored before moving onto the next project. His last boat, ‘Lady Karita’, is now sailing the Marlborough Sounds under a new skipper, much taken by the quality of the restoration Murray commissioned. When Sustainable Coastlines was launched, Murray was a founding Mentor.

Ever the bon-vivant, Murray was well-known throughout the world of arts. There were the singers he supported, the musicians he helped buy instruments, the art dealers who knew his taste, and the artists whose works he loved and collected. He gathered beautiful pieces in his Freeman’s Bay residence by Ann Robinson, Emma Camden, Ralph Hotere, Rita Angus, Milan Mrkusich and Dame Doreen Blumhardt, to name just a few. He collected glass, sculpture, painting and fabrics. The arrival of a new piece in the house was always marked with a fitting celebration.

Apart from Murray’s death being felt deeply by his partner, family and wide circle of friends, it has also rippled across the broader arts sector. His style, vision, energy and tireless support for this community will live on.

Artworks from the Collection of Murray Shaw are included in our 27 March Important Paintings & Contemporary Art (lot 21 - 28).