Ozias Humphry

Background

Humphry was born on September 8, 1742 in Honiton, England.

Education

Humphry was attracted by the gallery of casts opened by the Duke of Richmond and came to London to study art at Shipley's school. He also studied art in Bath.

Career

In 1766 Humphry was in London warmly encouraged by Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was always interested in Devonshire painters. He was a great friend of Romney, with whom in 1773 he went to Italy, staying, on his way to Dover, at Knole, where the duke of Dorset gave him many commissions. In 1785 he went to India, visiting the native courts, painting a large number of miniatures, and making many beautiful sketches. His sight failed him in 1797, and he died in Hampstead in 1810. The bulk of his possessions came into the hands of his natural son, William Upcott, the book collector. From him the British Museum acquired a large number of papers relating to Humphry. He was Opie's first master, and is alluded to in some lines by Hayley. His miniatures are exquisite in detail and delightful in colouring.

Achievements

• Humphry was a painter, notable for his portrait miniatures, oil and pastel works. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1791, and in 1792 he was appointed Portrait Painter in Crayons to the King.

Membership

Member of the Royal Academy (1791)

Personality

His problems with his sight, which ultimately led to blindness, began in the early 1770s and forced Humphry to paint larger works in oils and pastel.

Connections

Humphry married Delly Wickens, daughter of an Oxford shopkeeper. They had a son.

Spouse:

Delly Wickens

Son:

William Upcott

He was an English librarian and antiquary.

Friend:

George Romney

References

• Life and works of Ozias Humphry, R.A.,