David Parr, born in Cambridge in 1854, was a decorative artist during the Victorian era. David was born into a working-class family and his life changed significantly when he began an apprenticeship with the Cambridge firm F R Leach & Sons at age 17. He remained with the firm for his entire career, which spanned over 50 years. 

David Parr was employed to paint schemes in houses and churches created by some of the best architects and designers in the country, including George Frederick Bodley, William Morris and Charles Eamer Kempe. 

David's work allowed him to save enough money to buy his own home in 1886. He lived in the house with his wife, Mary Jane Parr and his three children. David decorated his own terraced home in the style of the grand interiors he worked on every day applying the same skill and attention to detail in his home that he did in his professional work.

David died in 1927 and was buried in Mill Road Cemetery.