Tony Williams (b. 1944)

               Tony Williams is a British artist known for his evocative oil paintings that capture the spirit and atmosphere of locations. Born in Wimbledon, London, Williams studied life drawing and graphic design at Sutton School of Art in the early 1960s. He later worked as a creative director before dedicating himself to painting full-time in 2003. He currently resides and works in rural Devon, where his surroundings continue to inspire his art.

Williams' artistic approach is deeply influenced by his background in graphic design. He employs a distinctive method of painting, often starting with a dark wash to create a dynamic underpainting, which he then "wipes out" to reveal the composition. This technique allows him to establish the structure of the piece before adding colour, often leaving some of the deep tones exposed. His subjects are varied, including marine scenes, rural landscapes, and industrial imagery, all rendered with a keen eye for design and atmosphere. His works depicting Britain's industrial past have been recognised for their emotive power. He depicts the lives of shipbuilders, coal miners, and dockyard workers, portraying them as "ghosts" from an era of lost industries. These figures, often shown walking or cycling with the ever-present cigarette, are dwarfed by the vastness of ships or winding gear, reflecting the camaraderie and harsh conditions of their work.

Williams' work has garnered significant recognition within the art community. He has been awarded the prestigious Charles Pears Award at the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) Exhibition, presented by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. In 2019, he received the Top Bond Marine Award at the same exhibition. Additionally, his painting "Ship with Moon" was honoured with the Charles Pears Award in 2015. Williams has exhibited his work at the Mall Galleries in London as part of the RSMA annual exhibitions since 2015. His paintings are held in numerous private collections worldwide, reflecting the broad appeal and emotional resonance of his work.