Biography

Ben Abril was born in Los Angeles, California in 1923.

After spending two years in the English countryside north of London as a member of the United States Air Force, Abril made the decision to become an artist. He studied at the School of Allied Arts, Glendale College, and the Los Angeles Art Center.

From 1966 to 1977, he was an architectural coordinator for Los Angeles County. Abril found himself intrigued by a district in Los Angeles known as 'Bunker Hill,' located a short distance from the Hall of Administration where he worked. Bunker Hill was a popular quarter, famous for its liveliness and a funicular, Angels' Flight (Abril's depictions of Angel's Flight are renowned). Abril produced numerous representations of the Bunker Hill area, thirty-six of which are in the collection of the Los Angeles County History Museum. Abril illustrated children's books for Follett Publishing and also worked as a scenic artist for the film industry in Hollywood.

Abril's many collectors include the U.S. Navy, Pope John Paul and the King of Spain..

Abril has been honored with election to the American Watercolor society in New York, and the National Watercolor Society in Los Angeles.

He was included in "Who's Who in America," and "Who's Who in Art" Cambridge, England.

Ben Abril died in Los Angeles, California June 7th, 1995.