John Long Severance collection

Cleveland industrialist John Long Severance (1863-1936) had a profound influence on the establishment and growth of the Cleveland Museum of Art. His association began as a member of the museum advisory committee in 1914. He joined the board of trustees in 1915. It was through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Severance that visitors have been enthralled with the great armor court since the museum opened its doors in 1916. At the time, the armor collection was one of the most important public collections in America. He served on the accessions and executive committees of the board of trustees, as vice-president from 1920-1926, and as president of the board from 1926 until his death in 1936. He left his personal art collection to the museum following his death. In addition to his donations of works of art he made generous donations to the museum library, ensuring its place as one of the nation's leading art historical research centers.

Born in Cleveland to Louis Henry and Fannie Benedict Severence, John Long Severance was educated at Oberlin College and began his career with the Standard Oil Company. His business interests grew to include paint and vanish, and salt companies. He served on the boards of the Cleveland Arcade Company and Youngstown Steel Door Company, among others. He was also a director of the Cleveland Trust Company. Severance's philanthropic interests included the Cleveland Community Fund, Oberlin College, Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland orchestra in addition to the museum. His generous gifts to the Musical Arts Association included the funds to build Severance Hall as a memorial to his wife, Elizabeth DeWitt Severance.