Matsuyama

Grahame King was born in Melbourne in 1915 and studied at the Working Mens' College, National Gallery School, Melbourne and the George Bell School between 1934-47. He served in the Australian Army during WWII, first exhibiting his work with the Army Design Department in 1943, and joined the Victorian Artists Society in 1945. In 1947-49 he travelled to England, studying at the Central School in London, where he lived at the Abbey; there he met Australian artists Robert Klippel and James Gleeson, as well as his future wife, the German sculptor Inge (Neufeld) King, whom he married in 1950. They returned to settle in Australia, where they built a home and studios in Warrandyte, north of Melbourne.

King was a key figure in a number of important artists' organisations throughout his career; in 1965 he was present at the formation of the Print Council of Australia, becoming a foundation member and secretary of the group in 1966. He lectured in painting, drawing and lithography at RMIT between 1966-88. In 1981-1991 he was on the Advisory Committee for the Australian Print Workshop, Melbourne and in 1991 was awarded an AM for services to art education. He exhibited his work consistently in group and solo shows from 1943 until his death.