About the Gallery

Masterpiece Gallery specialise in high quality works from artists around the world, including many prominent Australian Artists.

The Gallery today houses the finest array of investment art to be found in the state of Tasmania. The coverage is broad, although specialising in Australian art from colonial to contemporary. The stock also includes colonial antiques, old master drawings, Chinese antiques, European oils and watercolors etc.

About Nevin Hurst

As a young man, Nevin’s interest in the arts was aroused by his grandfather who, as well as being Acting Surveyor General, took a keen interest in fine art, antiques and all things historical.

Over 30 years ago, following a varied career in farming, mining, the newsprint and airline industries, Nevin began a career in the world of fine art and antiques, eventuating in opening the Masterpiece Fine Art Gallery for business in 1975.

Nevin believes that to be a successful dealer one must not be too possessive - put simply, just service the clients and enjoy the passing parade.

During the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Masterpiece Fine Art Gallery held many exhibitions by well- known Australian artists, beginning with Desiderius Orban in 1979, followed by Judy Cassab, Eva Kubbos, Robert Dickerson and Lloyd Rees plus many others, including local artists.

Orban, the Great Teacher (and contemporary of Picasso, Modigliani, Braque; whom he painted with during his early years in Eastern Europe) encouraged Nevin to become an artist, claiming that ‘anyone can paint, albeit that they may never become a master’. From this beginning the other artists mentioned gave further encouragement, resulting in solo exhibitions - initially at Hibiscus Gallery, Hobart, followed by Anima Gallery, Adelaide, Connely French Galleries, Evandale, The Terrace Gallery, Sydney and Masterpiece Fine Art Gallery, Hobart.

In addition, Nevin has had considerable input into many scholarly publications including books on Haughton Forrest, Arthur Streeton, Lloyd Rees, John Glover and many more.

Awards:
ANZ Royal Hobart Show - Overall Prize 1992
Abel Tasman, Tasmania Day Art Award 1997

Nevin would be, without doubt, Tasmania’s most experienced Fine Art Valuer with over thirty years experience including valuer to

  • vice regal patronage Government House,
  • Parliament House,
  • Atheneum Club,
  • Runnymede,
  • Tasmania’s local councils,
  • and many leading fine art collections

Nevin and his team also have a wide range of experience in restoration of valuable works.