William John Huggins

Not to be confused with William Huggins (animal artist).

The topsail schooner Amy Stockdale off Dover

William John Huggins (1781 – 19 May 1845) was a British marine painter who won royal patronage for his work.

Life

The East Indiaman "Asia"

Little is known of Huggins' early life. He made one voyage between December 1812 and August 1814 as an ordinary seaman on the East Indiaman Perseverance on her voyage to Bombay and China. During this voyage he made many drawings of ships and landscapes in China and elsewhere. He eventually settled in Leadenhall Street, near East India House in London, England, and practised his art as a profession, being specially employed to make drawings of ships in the company's service. His work, both original and as prints, found a ready market amongst merchants and seamen.

In 1817 Huggins exhibited a picture in the Royal Academy, and continued to exhibit occasionally up to his death. He also exhibited at the British Institution from 1825 onwards. He became a marine-painter to George IV and to William IV - for the latter painting three large pictures of the Battle of Trafalgar.

In about 1805 he married Berthia, their children included: James Miller Huggins (1807–1870), also a marine artist; John William Huggins (1809–?) and Berthia Huggins (1811–1884) who married Edward Duncan and was the mother of Walter Duncan. James and John both contributed to "Huggins' Marine Sketches".

Huggins died in Leadenhall Street, London, in May 1845.

Works

Huggins' nautical knowledge ensured his pictures had some repute as portraits of ships, and, although "weak in colouring and general composition" (according to art historian Lionel Cust), they are regarded as a valuable record of the shipping of the period. Some of his work was engraved.

Paintings (selected)

• The gallant encounter between H.M.S. Boadicea and two French warships Le Duquay-Trouin and Guerriére on 31st August 1803 (1822 - Christie's)
• Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805
• The Royal George on her return from Ireland

References

• Nicholas, Tracy. Britannia's palette: the arts of naval victory (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2007) p. 329 ff.

Attribution

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Huggins, William John". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.

External links

• Huggins biography and paintings (National Maritime Museum, London)
• Huggins online (ArtCyclopedia)
• 40 artworks by or after William John Huggins at the Art UK site. Works in British public collections.