Meet the man who moves Australia’s art from coast to coast
Laurie Burgess isn’t your typical courier. About two decades ago he made a bold decision: only move art across Australia. The back of his van is a rolling gallery, packed with paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics. He ferries works to galleries, buyers, and art competitions from Perth to Hobart and along the east coast, with as far north as Noosa. It’s a vocation that blends logistics with a deep, instinctive understanding of the Australian art scene.
Every four years, Burgess clocks roughly 1 million kilometres. He works 16-hour days, a testament to the stamina and passion required to keep Australia’s art moving. The road is as much a classroom as it is a workplace: along the way he’s built a bank of knowledge about contemporary art and the local personalities who shape it. Gallery owners and artists often reach out, seeking his read on what’s hot, what’s emerging, and what’s next in the world of contemporary art.
Behind the wheel: a vocation that doubles as a gallery on tour
“There’s a lot of emotion in art,” Burgess says. “A lot of artists can be anxious at times, and you’ve got to help them keep their spirits up.” The job isn’t just about transport; it’s about supporting creators on the long, uncertain road to recognition. When the pandemic hit, conventional sales slowed, but the role Burgess plays became crucial. Allanah Dopson, owner of Handmark Gallery in Hobart, notes the importance of interstate mobility for artists seeking prizes and exposure: “Laurie fills that void really well.”
A life on the road—and a home in the dream
Most of the year, Burgess is on the road, threading his way between Perth, Hobart and the eastern seaboard, with occasional trips to Noosa. He takes time off only in January and during Easter. The nomadic schedule isn’t for everyone, but it’s a deliberate choice tied to his long-term goal: save enough to buy a house and retire. To cut costs and maximize productivity, he built a sleeping section inside the van. A comfortable mattress, duvets and electric blankets turn the vehicle into a compact, functional rest space—“pull over, crawl into it, no time lost, no time wasted,” he says.
From curiosity to a collection: a growing eye for art
Saving for a home has its price—both financially and in personal ambition. Burgess admits that he didn’t know much about art when he began moving it around the country, but today he has clear preferences. He gravitates toward primary colours, bright palettes, movement, and a mix of media—from glass and ceramics to paintings and pastels. He even cherishes small pencil and coloured-pen drawings from an emerging artist in Robe, South Australia, noting they’re “perfect kitchen drawings.” These tastes reflect a broader trend Burgess has witnessed: art now travels widely, connecting works with new audiences across Australia.
The current pause and a growing collection in storage
As he continues to move art across vast distances, Burgess’s own collection has grown in parallel, intensifying the challenge of home ownership. At present, his artworks are in storage, awaiting a moment when he can pause his deliveries long enough to settle somewhere and make room for a new chapter. It’s a pragmatic pause that keeps his business running while his personal dream remains on the horizon.
Laurie Burgess’s story is a reminder that the art market isn’t confined to galleries and auction rooms. It’s a living system, sustained by people who move works safely, educate peers, and keep the conversation about contemporary art flowing. As long as there are galleries needing timely deliveries and artists seeking exposure, Burgess’s van will keep rolling—and so will the art.
