Art Gallery of SA leads tributes for Artlab Australia director Andrew Durham, who passed away on Thursday

Tributes have poured in from South Australia’s arts community is after the passing of conservation expert and long-standing Artlab Australia director Andrew Durham.

South Australia’s arts community is mourning the passing of conservation expert and long-standing Artlab Australia director Andrew Durham.

Art Gallery of South Australia director Rhana Devenport has paid tribute to Mr Durham on social media, saying he died on Thursday.

Andrew Durham pictured in 2006. Picture: Denys Finney

“A man of great integrity, Andrew will be greatly missed as a major contributor to arts conservation in Australia and as a warm, inquisitive, informed and highly collaborative professional,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.

“Andrew was a tremendous friend to AGSA, bringing his vast knowledge of art conservation and deep passion for art history to all endeavours he accomplished.

“Our thoughts go to his beloved family, many colleagues and friends.”

Ms Devenport said Mr Durham had recently reduced his time at ArtLab, where he was appointed director in 2005, “to focus on multi-decade projects honouring First Nations art and artefacts”.

Artlab is responsible for the conservation of collections at the Art Gallery, State Library and public museums, dealing with paintings, books, sculptures, books, textiles and other documents.

The team has also worked on high-profile international projects.

For the decade prior to joining Artlab Mr Durham was Keeper of Conservation at National Museums Liverpool.

He has also held roles as Head of Collections Conservation with English Heritage, Paintings Conservator at the Tate Gallery in London and Head of Conservation at the Australian National Gallery.

Andrew Durham was director of ArtLab Australia for 18 years. Picture: Artlab Australia

Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said Mr Durham was “highly respected and admired for his extensive knowledge of art history and his passion for its conservation”.

“Andrew worked closely with our cultural institutions here in South Australia as well as undertook important projects nationally and overseas to preserve precious arts and cultural heritage for future generations,” Ms Michaels said.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Opposition arts spokesman John Gardner said Mr Durham was “a significant contributor to South Australia”.

“His work leading Artlab for 18 years has played a major role in the preservation and conservation of priceless treasures that will help tell the story of who we are for generations to come,” Mr Gardner said.

“He will be sadly missed.”