Humphrey Cripps

Sir Cyril Humphrey Cripps (died 14 April 2000) was an English businessman and generous philanthropist.

Humphrey Cripps was educated at Northampton and went up to St John's College, Cambridge to read Natural Sciences. He joined the family firm, Pianoforte Supplies Limited, started by his father in 1919 to make the metal components of pianos (the firm grew into a major supplier of metal fittings for other trades, especially the motor industry). Humphrey became Managing Director in 1960 and Chairman in 1979.

The decline in the British car industry in the 1970s caused Humphrey to diversify his business interests, and he invested abroad, playing a major role in the creation of Velcro Industries. By these means he continued to channel funds into the family charitable foundation.

The Cripps Foundation is a charity established in 1956 by the Cripps family which has made huge gifts to universities, colleges, schools, churches, hospitals and museums. Many Cambridge Colleges have benefited from this generosity, as well as the Fitzwilliam Museum. Halls of residence at St John's College and Queens' College are named after the Cripps family.

Public recognition came to both Humphrey and, before him, his father Cyril: both were knighted and Humphrey, after many years of service to Northamptonshire County Council, became High Sheriff and later Deputy Lieutenant of the County.