User:Nancy/WIP/Havell

William Havell (9 February 1782 - 16 December 1857) was an English landscape painter and a member of the artistic Havell family of Reading, Berkshire.

Despite himself being a print-seller and drawing master, Havell's father Luke Havell did not want young William to become an artist and sent him for a formal classical education at Reading Grammar School.

Moved to London 1804 aged 22

Royal Academy exhibitor 1804 - 1813 1804 "Caernarvon Castle 1805 12 works in "Nant Francon Valley" 1806 "Winchester Tower, Windsor" +1

1807 spent a year in Ambleside and produced "his finest watercolour works" in the opinion of his sister Lucy 1810-11 back to Reading to support his father until the latter's death Left water colour society in 1813 following "changes"

Embassy to China under Lord Amherst. Havell appointed as artist. Departed on Alceste 9 July 1816. Embassy failed and Havell went to India, settling in Madras earning living as portrait painter. Came back to England 1826

1827 - rejoined water colour society

1828-9 Italy with Thomas Unwins

Little success followed.

Died in poverty, London 1857