Miller, Christian William (Bill), 1921-1995

Biography

Christian William Miller was born William Henry Miller on August 7, 1921, in Newark, New Jersey. Miller attended the Franklin School of Professional Arts in New York City from 1938-1941, majoring in advertising design. From 1939-1941 he began his career in design with stints at Datzenbach & Warren, Brunschwig & Fils, and Lord & Taylor. During the years 1942-1946, Miller was enlisted in the United States Maritime Service Coast Guard Reserve. He was assigned to a research project in 1942 by the Air-Sea Agency, helping to design a device to make sea water drinkable. Miller also designed an inflatable chair that is now in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. In May 1951, Miller officially changed his name to Christian William Miller.

Miller was known in the 1940's New York gay social scene as being one of the most beautiful men in the world. This status made him the acquaintance, companion, and occasional model and muse of such luminaries as George Platt Lynes, Paul Cadmus, W. H. Auden, Somerset Maugham, Alfred Kinsey, Glenway Wescott, Monroe Wheeler, Noel Coward, Philip Wheelwright, and George Hoyningen-Huene. As an avid photographer himself, he extensively documented his social life and travels around the world. Miller died on July 5, 1995.

From the guide to the Christian William (Bill) Miller photographs and papers, 1886-1989, (ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives)