Born Edinburgh, qualified as a dentist and practised in Nottingham before moving to London in 1866. 

His style was influenced by David Cox, and is similar to that of Claude Hayes, Thomas Collier and E.M. Wimperis with whom he made regular painting expeditions around England. 

His work belongs in spirit and style to the English School. 

He was also a lecturer on, and connoisseur and collector of, English watercolours.