White Dog Gallery prides itself on fast becoming one of the leading galleries, able to offer a variety of work by the world renowned Maritime artist W L Wyllie (1851 – 1931). We lead our customers into the world of Wyllie in our gallery through our extensive collection of artwork, family photographs and other rare memorabilia, even sketches from his art school period.
The artwork offered for sale consists of original etchings, antique colour plates, pencil sketches, watercolours and watercolour sketches from his formative years dating back as far as the early 1860s.
Finally, by popular demand, a small range of the old family photos, showing the genius at work, have been made available in the form of digitally restored, high quality giclée prints. Our collection is constantly changing, so keep in touch with us, either through social media or by visiting our gallery.
We have a variety of work by Wyllie available online:
William Wyllie Biography
1851-1931
William Lionel Wyllie was born on 5th July 1851 in Albany Street, NW London. Encouraged by both his father, William Morrison Wyllie, himself a genre painter, and his step brother artist Lionel Percy Smythe, he developed a keen interest in art from a young age. As a child William Wyllie spent many summers drawing and painting on the beaches in Northern France at the family’s second home, just north of Boulogne. Here he met Marian Amy Carew, 9 years his junior, who would later become his wife. The couple ended up having nine children during their 52 years of marriage.
– Bill and Marion, Start of a Life Long Companionship
– Family Life
The Wyllies, whilst living in their house on the beach in Wimereux, Northern France, were often involved in saving lives of the crews of stranded boats. One particular instance grabbed the attention of some important bystanders: Wreck of The Wheatsheaf
Watercolour Sketch by Wyllie - Low Tide at Wimereux
Etching by Wyllie - Fishing near entrance Portsmouth Harbour
All his life, his love for the sea and his knowledge of sailing (he was an expert competitive sailor and boat designer) undoubtedly influenced his art, giving it a strong focus and clear direction.
During his professional career W L Wyllie became one of the most important marine artists in British history. He won the Turner Gold Medal at the age of eighteen and later earned full membership of the Royal Academy, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, The Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, amongst other accolades.
– London Life
– Toil, Glitter, Grime and Wealth on a Flowing Tide
– Lasting Legacy in Kent
In 1906 he moved to Tower House, Portsmouth, where he was instrumental in campaigning and fundraising to move HMS Victory into dry dock and organising her restoration. He painted a 42×12 feet Panorama depicting the Battle of Trafalgar, which still attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year and keeps funding the ongoing maintenance of the ship.
– Wyllie and HMS Victory
– Portsmouth Years
W L Wyllie died on 6 April 1931 and was buried with full naval honours. His coffin was rowed through Portsmouth harbour and laid to rest at Portchester castle alongside his daughter Eva, later joined also by his wife and youngest daughter Aileen.
Aileen with her father William Wyllie painting panorama