H. Mitchell Meyer was born circa 1902 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia and received a law degree from the University of Richmond. He completed post graduate study at Harvard Law School and Columbia University. He operated Meyer's Dry Goods Store on Hull Street from the early 1920's until 1956, when he began taking summer art classes at the Skowhegan School of Art in Maine. He and his wife were the first persons to participate in a VCU program allowing senior citizens to take free classes. At age 60, he graduated with a master of fine arts degree and began teaching history at VCU. He participated in a number of art shows and won several awards. He designed his own home and sculpture garden and was a member and past president of the Richmond Artists' Association. He was also a past president of the South Richmond Optimist Club.