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William Collingwood (23 April 1819 Greenwich - 25 June 1903 Bristol, England), was a noted English watercolourist.

William's father Samuel Collingwood was a builder and surveyor and the family residence was in Greenwich, London. William had no formal training in art, but his mentor and neighbor was James Duffield Harding. Initially he painted in oils, but later became a proficient watercolourist. In 1843 he became an Associate, and subsequently a Member, of the Society of Painters in Water Colours which later became the Royal Watercolour Society, serving as treasurer for some twenty years, and starting its Art Club. He also joined the New Society of Painters in Water Colours.

William specialized in mountain landscapes, and travelled extensively in Britain and on the Continent. His images were often engraved and reproduced in the Illustrated London News. His first exhibition at the Royal Academy was in 1836 and his last in 1855, also exhibiting with the Water Colour Society and at the Suffolk Street Galleries.

In 1850, under the influence of Dr. Gutzlaff, he proposed to go out to China in the double capacity of artist and missionary. This was prevented by his marriage in the next year to Marie Imhoff, daughter of a notary at Arbon, Switzerland, and by family cares ensuing; but he became an earnest supporter of all mission work, and his house was the resort of many missionaries outward and homeward bound from the port of Liverpool. In 1890 he settled at Bristol, where he attached himself to Bethesda, and joined with his old friend George Muller, spending his leisure time in writing many papers and booklets, among which were “The Bible its Own Evidence,” “The Brethren: An Historical Sketch,” etc. Valuable articles on “Doctrine” and spiritual themes appeared in The Witness over a number of years. Mr. Collingwood’ s reverential love for the Word of God was a conspicuous feature in his character. So absorbed did he become in its treasures that the din of controversy and criticism scarcely reached him. In fact, the realm of controversy was uncongenial to him, for his spirit was gentle and loving. .

He enjoyed an outstanding reputation as a teacher so that his classes at Wyndham Lodge, 13 Brixton Hill, included not only amateurs, but also professionals, and military and naval officers. His works are to be found in numerous galleries, both public and private.

His grave is in the West Norwood Cemetery. He is buried there alongside his wife Louisa Triquet and his son William Harding Collingwood Smith who was also an artist.

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Category:1815 births Category:1887 deaths Category:19th-century English painters Category:Burials at West Norwood Cemetery