Sir William Russell Flint R.A.
1880 - 1969

Sir William Russell Flint, was born in Edinburgh 4th April 1880.His father Francis Wighton Flint, was a watercolourist and designer,William Russell Flint was fortunate that his family was involved in artistic careers.He studied at Daniel Stewarts School,and then joined the Royal Institution College of Artwork in Edinburgh,this was the environment that led him to work on line and colour which progressed into his own unmistakable watercolour style. He completeda 6 year apprenticeship as a draughtsman at a large printing factory in Edinburgh.It helped to cultivate the disipline required to become an outstanding artist in his ownright.In 1903 Russell Flint began work at the Illustrated London News drawing illustrations.This was the era before photos,a time where drawings and engravings have been theonly source of illustration for books and magazines.Russell Flint became an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1924 and nine years after,he was elected a full member. 1936saw Russell Flint become the President of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour.
1947 saw Russell Flint knighted and he painted throughout his life until the age of 89 when he died.