08/11/2026
Austin M. Purves, born in 1900 in Philadelphia, PA, had a lifelong artistic journey tied to his education and faith. In his early life, he studied at the Philadelphia Institute of Fine Arts and the Julien Academy in Paris, France, and traveled across Europe studying frescos in churches and municipal buildings. He also lived and worked in New York City, doing commission work for private customers, often churches.
The last four decades of Purves’ life were spent in Litchfield, Connecticut, and the town became an integral part of his life and work. He made his home in East Litchfield with his wife and children, and built an art studio on the property. During his time in Litchfield, Purves was deeply involved with St. Michael’s Church, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and serving as a vestryman and warden. His religious devotion seeped into every aspect of his life, though his art is perhaps the clearest demonstration of it.
This post contains excerpts from the final project of LHS Summer Intern Brooke Vena.
Find the full blog post here: https://blog.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/?p=1676
