Robert N. Hurley was born in London, England. He left school at an early age and apprenticed as a compositor, but quit due to weak eyesight. As an artist, he was self-taught. He came to Canada in 1923 and worked for a time as a farm labourer before moving to Saskatoon. During the depression, he met Ernest Lindner from whom he received great encouragement. From 194 2 to 19 58, he was employed at the Dominion Plant Pathology Laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1958, the Government of Saskatchewan gave him a grant for three years which allowed him to paint full-time. Four of his paintings were presented to her Highness Princess Elizabeth, in 1951, by Premier T.C. Douglas, on behalf of the province of Saskatchewan. Mr. Hurley retired to Victoria in 1963, where he continued to paint until his death in 1980.
Donated in memory of L. G. Dorrett, presented by the family in 1969.
