William Thornley

William Thornley (1858 – 1898) – was a British genre painter specialising in coastal scenes, landscapes and architecture. He is best remembered for his seascapes.

His work is beautifully detailed and he manages to perfectly capture the moods of both the sea and the weather. He worked on a small scale and this coupled with the incredible detail gives his work great artistic merit. His fishing scenes are lively and were often painted in pairs.

He is thought to have first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1859 with a picture called ‘Marines’ and continued to exhibit there until 1898. He also showed at the British Institution from 1861 until 1867 when it closed.

Thornley also showed his work at the Paris Salon and the Salon of French Artists, and in 1881 received an honourable mention and a third place medal in 1888.

William Thornley also went by the names Georges William and William A. Thornbery.