F. W. Weber

Frederick William Weber (December 1, 1890 – November 16, 1972) was a chemist, artist, columnist and businessman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An expert on the chemistry and physics of paint materials, Weber served as treasurer, technical director and eventually president of F. Weber & Company, Inc., an artists’ supplies manufacturer founded in 1853. Weber developed new techniques for the manufacture of inks and pigments, and played a major role in the introduction of synthetic resins to the paint-making process. In addition to his work with art supplies, Weber was an accomplished painter and was active in Philadelphia art circles. He served as art critic and head of the art department for The Philadelphia Record, and entered a number of his paintings into local shows and competitions. His artistic and technical knowledge led to friendships with several leading artists of his day, including Walter Emerson Baum and Maxfield Parrish, and Weber was sought for artistic advice by painters such as Norman Rockwell, Peter Hurd, and N.C. Wyeth.