Born Leith; died Newhaven, near Edinburgh 6 October. Studied under Duncan at the Trustees Academy. Figure painter, at first he painted a variety of subjects until about 1865 when he visited New Orleans. Thereafter 'mulatto, quadroon and negro were his models'. When his American sketches were not too successful he moved to Tangiers, returning only shortly before his death. His work before 1865 is rarely seen so that he is now best known for his American and Moorish subjects. This is to be regretted because some of his early works show a fine talent, simple and direct. His diploma picture on the SNG entitled 'Moorish Maiden's First Love' was said to be lacking in southern light or colour. 'Technically he had considerable facility and power, drawing easily and painting with a full and fluent brush; at its best the colour was rich and harmonious, and he possessed an eye for pictorial setting and brilliant and bizarre costume. In susceptibility to the impressions of unfamiliar life and surroundings he was more kindred to Philip than to many of his contemporaries' [Brydall]

Elected ARSA 1855, RSA 1879. Exhibited RA (5) 1855-71, all of them from Edinburgh, RSA (137) 1868-82 and GI (11), latterly from Cherry Brook, Newhaven St.