William Clark

1803 - 1883

Clark was a Scottish marine painter, born in Greenock, near Glasgow, the son of a seaman. In 1830, he set up business in a studio in William Street, Greenock as a marine artist.

His style is similar to that of Robert Salmon (1775-1844), whom he may possibly have met as a boy when Salmon was working in Greenock. His pictures are remarkably competent and show an accurate knowledge of ships and the sea.

Although Clark never exhibited in London, he exhibited regularly at the Royal Scottish Academy. His works can be viewed in The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, the Liverpool Gallery and also in galleries in Australia and America.