William Havell was an English landscape painter, watercolourist, and printmaker, who became one of the founding members of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, which is known today as the Royal Watercolour Society. Born on February 9, 1782, in Reading, Berkshire, Havell came from a family with a strong artistic heritage; his father, Luke Havell, was a drawing-master and print-seller, and his brother, Edmund Havell, also became a successful painter.
Havell's early career was marked by his travels to Wales and the Lake District, where he produced a number of watercolour landscapes. In 1812, he was selected to travel to China as a draughtsman on the British East India Company's embassy, led by Lord Amherst. However, the trip was not successful for Havell; he clashed with the embassy's official painter, Thomas Lawrence, and was dismissed and sent back to England in 1817.
Upon his return, Havell continued to develop his career as a landscape painter, becoming known for his skill in both oil and watercolour. His landscapes often featured the English countryside, and he was recognized for his ability to render atmospheric effects and his use of strong, dramatic lighting. In 1827, Havell exhibited his work 'View of the Old Horse Guards from St. James's Park' at the Royal Academy, which is considered one of his finest pieces.
In the mid-1820s, Havell traveled extensively throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, where he was inspired by the landscapes and the quality of light. He lived in Italy for several years before returning to England in 1831. Upon his return, he struggled to regain his former reputation and faced financial difficulties.
William Havell passed away on December 16, 1857, in Kensington, London. His works are part of several important collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. Despite facing challenges throughout his life, Havell's contribution to the development of British watercolour painting and his influence on the landscape genre are well-recognized in the history of art.
