(c.1732 - 1792)
William Tomkins first exhibited at the Free Society of Artists in 1761. He went on to exhibit at the Incorporated Society of Artists and the Royal Academy. He was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1771. Tomkins’ works are mostly representations of gentlemen’s seats in the North and West of England. His patrons included Edward Walter of Stalbridge in Dorset, the Parkers of Saltram in Devon and James Duff, Second Earl of Fife. Some of his works were engraved for ‘The Seats of the Nobility and Gentry in Great Britain and Wales’ (1787-c.1800) and ‘The Seats of the Nobility and Gentry, in a Collection of the Most Interesting and Picturesque Views’ (1779-86). He died at his home in Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, in London, aged about 60.