On leaving school at 15, Alan was indentured as a printing apprentice with a large firm in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England. Due to five years of war service with the Royal Air Force (RAF), his apprenticeship was reduced from seven years to four.

Apart from his time with the RAF, Alan has been involved with printing and associated industries, research and education. He retired from the London College of Printing and Graphic Arts. As both he and his wife Marjorie were volunteers at the Sussex-based Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, they accepted an invitation to take control of the museum's printing section. With Alan's extensive range of contacts they greatly enlarged the collection and built up a strong team of volunteers. After ten years they left England to join their daughter Carolyn in Australia.

At the time of their donation (2011), the Morrises had lived in Woolgoolga for 16 years. When they arrived, Alan joined the Woolgoolga Sea Rescue squad and was awarded Life Membership for his services. He also served as Secretary and Treasurer for C.ex Woolgoolga Indoor Bowlers.

When he retired, Alan had intended to continue with his hobby of printing. When he moved to Australia, he brought his collection of printing equipment with him. Alas, because of his various commitments and his and Marjorie's desire to see as much of Australia as possible in their campervan, he never found the time to pursue his hobby. As they have now applied for a place in a retirement home they are preparing to move into a smaller house. As a consequence, Alan donated his printing equipment collection to the Art Gallery and Museum.

[Biography and donation information taken from an email from Alan Morris to Sue McEntyre, Education Officer for Coffs Harbour City Council, dated 10 May 2011]