Humphrey - David W

Humphrey, David W. (1872-1950)

David Humphrey was born in 1872 on a farm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, where he lived for 23 years. His mother died when he was less than a year old, and he was raised by his grandparents. He attended high school in Elkhorn. He studied at the Art institute of Chicago and in Paris at Colarosorri’s, Julian’s, and at the Academy Carmine under Whistler. Humphrey worked for a decade as a commercial artist in Chicago and New York City. His landscapes were exhibited at the National Academy of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago. He had one man shows of his prints in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston. He began spending his summers with a group of artists in Darien, Connecticut in 1905 and moved to Darien in 1920. He was a member of the Silvermine Guild of Artists in New Canaan. Humphrey first worked for the Public Works of Art Project and then, under the WPA Federal Arts Project, completed 20 easel works and three murals. He became famous for his monotypes and did nine for the WPA. His works were allocated to Hamden High School, State Normal School in New Haven, Cove School in Stamford, Brookfield Consolidated School in Brookfield, Long Lane Farm, Cedarcrest Sanatorium, Nathan Hale School in New Britain, and Colony Street School in Wallingford. He taught at Stamford High School. Humphrey died on June 12, 1950.

Sources: WPA Artist’s Work Card; WPA Biography; Obituary,Stamford Advocate, June 12, 1950; Obituary, New York Times, June 12, 1950; AskART; WPA Federal Arts Project Newsletter, November 1938.

Works of Art Listed in CT Archives’ database from David Humphrey:

Humphrey, David W.