Stanwyck E. Cromwell was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and is a second-generation artist. He inherited his artistic gift from both of his parents. In addition, Cromwell credits much of his growth to his cousin and mentor, Maurice C. Jacobs, a noted Guyanese artist, who nurtured him, and was resourceful in laying the foundation for his artistic development. Cromwell graduated from the former British Guiana Educational Trust High School, with high honors in art and other foreign languages, and was employed at Guyana Lithographic Company, as a graphic artist. During his time of employment at that company, he met and worked alongside well-known Guyanese artist Angold Thompson.