William N. Murphy Biography

William (Bill) Murphy was raised in a modest family setting with seven brothers and three sisters. He is one of 4 sets of twins. His twin brother “Bert” is also an artist.

A St. Mary’s High School graduate, he majored St. Louis Community College Commercial Arts program, then later Fine Arts to focus on figure study and design.

After college, William worked as a draftsman for Consultants and Designer Company, doing drafting for Southwestern Bell and other major corporations. He ventured into the entrepreneur world by launching “The Creator’s Hand”. The company focused on interior design, decks, room additions and cabinet making. In his leisure time he worked as a back drop, prop and clothes designer for fashion shows. He was the first set-designer for the Black Repertory Theater. He has been creating designs with the Unity Theater Ensemble for the past 32 years. He has built and designed displays with Lois Conley at the Griot Museum of Black History, (formally the Black World History Museum) since it launched in 1998.He and his twin brother “Bert” worked as an illustrator for the “The Black Inventor’s Museum”, a travelling exhibit.

Bill has also been a member of several artist groups over a 40 year period; The Afro-American Artist Group; The Creative Coalition; and Zuka Artist Guild. He is responsible for designing and building numerous parade floats, gallery shows and special events. His work includes; painting, sculptures (wood and styro-foam) illustration, interior design, and carpentry.