Renowned South African artist Dr Andrew Verster passed away yesterday, (16 February, 2020), having been frail for a long while.

The prolific artist who had contributed immensely to the art world, was also an honorary recipient, and bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in April 2009. He was also part of the institution for numerous years, also serving as a member of staff at the former Technikon Natal (now DUT).

He was conferred with his Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Design for his significant contribution to the Arts through his paintings, writings and designs of set and costumes – and for his generous community contributions.

Born in Johannesburg, he trained at the Camberwell School of Art and at Reading University. Dr Verster lectured at the University of Durban-Westville and then at Technikon Natal until 1976. He eventually gave up teaching to become a full-time artist. Besides his love of painting, writings and designing sets and costumes, he was also a notable writer of short stories, articles, radio dramas and he was a former winner of the BBC World Service Playwriting competition.

He was also responsible for the touring, production design, in Chicago, Oslo, Amsterdam and Cape Town.

Dr Verster won numerous design awards and he had published articles in publications and a few architectural journals. He also served on the Film and Publications Board Appeals Tribunal, and was a Trustee of the Durban Art Gallery, the Arts Work Trust, Very Special Arts, Artists for Human Rights Trust and the African Art Centre.

Pictured: The late Dr Andrew Verster (http://news.artsmart.co.za/2009/04/andrew-verster-honoured.html)

The DUT Communications Team