Alexander Farnham

Alexander Farnham passed away on the morning of June 5, 2017 at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great grandson.

Alexander was born in Orange, NJ on May 5, 1926, son of Joseph Hollister Farnham and Margaret Claire Wrenn Farnham. He was raised in Short Hills, NJ. From an early age he showed promise as an artist. As a child he was instructed by Van Dearing Perrine. At age sixteen he began attending the Art Students League in NYC.

Alexander served in the US Navy during World War II as a member of the armed guard and an illustrator for naval publications. When he returned from the war, he continued his education at the Art Students League and later married Barbara Jean Kes, a fellow artist and the love of his life. Alexander and Barbara had four daughters, Barbara, Susan, Vivian and Alexandra. As committed as he was to his painting, his family came first and foremost. Alexander’s spare time was filled with long walks, sled rides and romps in the pool with his daughters. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was a great source of amusement for his children. Alexander and his family have resided in Kingwood Township since 1953. They lived on a small farm with a studio, which allowed them an abundance of family time. His love of family spread to his grandchildren and great grandchild as he exposed them to a world of excitement and good old fashion outdoor fun. During his lifetime, Alexander developed his great fondness for animals and was known for carrying around a kitten or two in his jacket pockets.

During his lifetime, Alexander Farnham received hundreds of prestigious awards for his painting. He was and will continue to be a prominent artist from the “Delaware Valley” and “New Hope School”. Over the past fifty years, Alexander has served on numerous National Regional and State Exhibition juries. He has also exhibited in numerous one-man shows throughout the United States and Canada. His works are in the collections of: Newark Museum National Art Club, Monmouth College, Mercer Medical Center, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, James Michener Collection, The Harkness collection and the Justice Center in Flemington.

In 1976, Alexander was one of the Thirteen leading American artists commissioned by the Franklin Mint to design pewter plates commemorating the American Revolution. His plate was a depiction of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. As an author and illustrator he published: Architectural Patterns – Subjects for the Artist Brush, Early Tools of New Jersey and the Men Who Made Them, Search for Early New Jersey Toolmakers and three editions of The Tool Collectors Handbook. He has written many articles on art and antiques for National Publications. Alexander has been a member of the Early American Industry Association, Crafts of New Jersey, The Delaware Valley Art Association and Associated Artists of New Jersey. To see his work, please visit www.farnhamstudio.com and search Alexander Farnham Luxury Bazaar on Youtube.

Alexander is survived by his wife Barbara Farnham, his sister Susan Ford, his daughters: Barbara Farnham Paradise, Susan Farnham, Vivian Farnham Rice and Alexandra Farnham and ten grandchildren and a great grandson.

Funeral services are private and under the care of Wright and Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Alexander’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of his life.

Acknowledging Alexander’s love for animals, those wishing to make a contribution in his honor may do so to Tabby’s Place: a Cat Sanctuary, 1100 US Highway 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551.