Ozias humphrey biography examples

RA Collection: People and Organisations

Ozias Humphry was born in Honiton, Devon, and displayed artistic talent from an early age. He was sent to study at William Shipley’s drawing academy in London, with a view to producing patterns for his mother’s lace-manufacturing business.

However, Humphry had ambitions to be a painter and subsequently undertook an apprenticeship with the miniaturist Samuel Collins in Bath, cut short due to Collins’ financial difficulties.

Ozias humphrey biography examples

Humphry started his own practice as a miniaturist in Bath before moving to London in 1764, where he quickly established a large clientele which included the royal family. He exhibited at the Society of Artists between 1765 and 1771.

In 1773 Humphry embarked on a four-year visit to Italy with his friend George Romney.

Having damaged his eyesight in a riding accident, Humphry intended to study the Old Masters to allow him to progress from miniature painting to become a painter in oils. R