Explore: William Anderson

(1757 - 1837)

William Anderson, marine painter, was born in Scotland and initially worked as a shipwright. Little is known of his artistic training. He moved to London at about the age of 30, where he exhibited works at the Royal Academy from 1787 to 1834. There is also little information on his private life. However, he is known to have had a son, William Guido Anderson, who joined the Royal Navy. Although Anderson is best known for his small, highly finished marine paintings, particularly river scenes, he also painted other subjects. Today his works can be found in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.