Chic Murray, 1919 - 1985. Comedian
About this artwork
Chic Murray used the word “funnyosities” to describe his brand of abstract observational comedy. In the early days of his career, as a vaudeville act with his wife Maidie - The Tall Droll with the Small Doll – his distinctive style was evident with his display of “a humour as dry as champagne”. He went solo in the 1960s and caused audiences to fall about laughing with his detailed descriptions of everyday activities which, with his asides and punchlines, he made seem remarkable. Although his solo work was sporadic he influenced many of today’s stand-ups and is one of the most impersonated comedians. On formulating his unique style he said: “I listen to good stories whether they were lies or otherwise.”
Updated before 2020
-
artist:Derek GrayScottish (born 1968)
-
title:Chic Murray, 1919 - 1985. Comedian
-
date created:2006
-
materials:Watercolour on paper
-
measurements:29.70 x 21.00 cm
-
object type:
-
credit line:Purchased 2006
-
accession number:PG 3498
-
gallery:
Derek Gray
Derek Gray
Gray studied at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen from 1986-90, where he specialised in printmaking. He went on to work in comic industry (producing strips for the likes of ‘Desperate Dan’) alongside cartoons, caricatures and illustrations for ‘The Guardian’ and ‘The Sunday Herald’. Gray has since...