Explore: William Bennett

(1811 - 1871)

Despite being based in London, watercolour painter William Bennett was known for views of castles and abbeys. He is sometimes listed as ‘William Bennett Yr.’ and may have been the son of William James Bennett. He is thought to have studied under David Cox and his work certainly demonstrates the influence of Cox. He lived in South London at addresses in Peckham (1842-44), Borough (1845-47), Stockwell Place (by 1849) and near Clapham Park (1850-54). From 1842 to 1871 he exhibited at the Royal Academy, British Institution, Suffolk Street Gallery and New Water-Colour Society, of which he was made a member in 1849. Watercolourist Alfred Williams was one of his pupils. Bennett’s last picture was probably a view of Rosenlaui in Switzerland.