Christopher Klumb

Thursday, 05 November 2009 10:36

Christopher Klumb of Darien, a member of the Silvermine Guild of Art, died at home Sunday, October 25, after a nine-year battle with cancer. He was 74.

Mr. Klumb was the husband of Nancy Holt Plumber Klumb, daughter of Stamford residents Florence Lund and Ellsworth Holt Plumber, and the son of New York City residents Anna-Maria Freytag and Emil Klumb, both of whom immigrated from Germany in 1925. After graduating from Syracuse University, Mr. Klumb worked with several prominent industrial designers at the time, including Raymond Loewy, George Nelson and Russell Wright.

In 1965, he was selected to design the United States pavilion at the world trade fair in Columbo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This experience led to life-expanding travel through Eastern countries at a time when it was safe to move throughout this region, said his family. Previously, he and his wife had explored the art and lifestyles of central Europe.

In 1967, Mr. Klumb became the president and chief designer of E. Christopher Klumb Associates, Inc., in New York City, where he helped introduce pictorial and multi-langual signing for the New York City hospital system. He created architectural graphics, signage and way-finding systems for hospitals throughout the country, as well as identification for many large corporations until closing the firm in 2002.

Mr. Klumb later gave in to his hidden passion for non-objective, abstract impressionism painting, winning numerous awards, said his family. He studied sculpture at The Silvermine Guild. His painting, sculptures and constructions have been exhibited in New Canaan, New York City, Bridgeport, Darien, Norwalk and Westport, as well as in Aspen and Basalt, Colo.

Mr. Klumb served on the board of directors and committees of the Darien Arts Council, Rowayton Arts Center and The Tokeneke Club. He was also a member of the Museum of Modern Art and the Waveny Art Association.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years; his daughter Christina Holt Klumb of Darien; his son Nicholas Alexander Klumb of Basalt; his daughter in-law Phillippa Leigh Klumb, and grandson Nicholas Henry Plumber Klumb, as well as sister in-law Deborah Szwarce of Brewster, N.Y.

A gathering to honor Mr. Klumb will be planned for a future date.