On January 21, 1939, Laurence Anthony Campbell was born in Philadelphia, a short distance from the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. His proximity to these grand institutions allowed him to spend countless hours admiring the works of European masters during his childhood, fueling his passion for art.
This admiration for art and design, led Laurence to pursue a degree in architecture at Temple University. In the 1960s, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a construction firm, but he still managed to find time to paint, and his remarkable skill in recreating famous artworks led to many commissions. In 1970, he opened “Gallery 35” in Westmont, New Jersey. The gallery became well known for Laurence’s fine art restoration skill, a craft he considered to be valuable for young artists.
In addition to managing the gallery, he continued to develop his own artistic style, painting many of his favorite subjects—including Bucks County, PA, the New Jersey shore, garden portraits of his wife Evie, and urban scenes from New York and Philadelphia. His work is instantly recognizable for its distinctive subdued palette and remarkable ability to capture the play of sunlight on canvas. Following the events of 9/11, he felt a deep personal calling to focus almost exclusively on painting New York City and Philadelphia adorned with American flags. These emotionally resonant pieces remain among his most sought-after works to this day.
Laurence retired in 2003 and painted only occasionally in his later years. He and his wife Evie shared a loving 65-year marriage. He passed away peacefully on 8/27/24 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, dedication, and passion for the world of art.