Born in Chester, William Lee-Hankey worked as a designer after leaving school. He studied art in the evenings at Chester School of Art, under Walter Schroeder and later in Paris under John Sparkes. Working mainly in oils, William’s subjects included landscapes, coastal scenes, figures and portraits. He was also an etcher and illustrator. In 1904, William spent long periods painting in France having had a house built in Le Touquet and a studio in Etaples, France.

1894 Began exhibiting in London

1896 Elected member of RBA and RMS

1899 Elected member of the RI

1902-04 President of London Sketch Club

1904 First solo exhibition in Leicester Galleries, London

1908 Elected member of ROI

1914-19 Served in the Artists’ Rifles

1936 Elected member of the RWS

1947-50 Acting Vice-President of the RWS

William’s work is represented in collections throughout the world.

Literature: ' The Etched Works of W. Lee-Hankey RE from 1904-1920' Martin Hardie, L.H. Lefevre & Son, London, 1921

'An English Impressionist', Anthony J. Lester, Antique Dealer and Collector's Guide, Vol. 42, Pt.11, June 1989.