The memory of well known Russell Road College Fine Artist and Lecturer, Andre Vancoillie (1914-1975) lives on in a tribute web site created by local artist and pupil Don Bell (with assistance from MyPE).
100 years have passed since Andre Vancoillie’s birth on 4 July 1914.
As Don says;
“Because Andre’ Vancoillie was not afforded the recognition he deserved during his lifetime by the establishment, Don is donating his time to rectify this by populating the web site with Andre’s history, family archives, news, paintings, memoirs of his past pupils and owners of his works as well as any other information as it becomes available. Don is also researching and trying to locate past clients and works of Andre Vancoillie so that this information can also be added.
Alan Straton has kindly donated this web site and maintenance thereof.
We are seeking past friends, colleagues, students and buyers of Vancoillie works, who can provide information and works to display on this site to commemorate Andre’ and all he achieved during his life.”
Andre was born in St. Eloois Winkel on 4 July 1914 as the only son of Remi Vancoillie and Blanche Beernaert.
In 1958 he boarded the ‘Amsterdam’ and set sail for South Africa.
A few years later he was appointed teacher of drawing at the Russel Road Technical College in Port Elizabeth. Due to health reasons, following a heart attack, he was compelled to give up his teaching post. However, before long he was back at his easel turning all his attention to portraiture. He has a whole track record of successful works including the Mayor Toerin of Port Elizabeth and the life size portrait of Archbishop TB Powell. He regularly took part in group exhibitions. His personal exhibitions had a highly successful outcome. Besides portraiture, he would sometimes withdraw to nature where he was inspired to produce works including seascapes and landscapes.
If you own a Vancollie painting or have any memories of him then you are encouraged to get hold of Don Bell and share – click here for contact info.
Web Site: Andre Vancollie
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- South African Conquers Rats on the World Stage - 30 October 2026
- Old JPG on a Memory Stick? Vectorization Studio in Observatory Redraws Faded and Low-Resolution Logos by Hand - 30 October 2026
- ReAutomated Adds Robot Palletising and Case Packing Cells to Existing South African Packing Lines Without Stripping Out the Conveyors - 30 October 2026
- From a 5 KM Sprint to an Ultra: Punisher Sets Out Its Magaliesberg Obstacle Race Formats for First Timers, Teams and Fitness Clubs - 30 October 2026
- Rotary or Dual Action? Germiston’s Polisher Lists Its Machines, Buffs and Compounds for Car Paint and Metal Finishing - 30 October 2026
Thank you Don Bell and Alan Straton for your continued time and effort.
Andre was a man deserving of recognition and I am only too glad to be a part of that process.