William Bell (c. 1735 - 1794)

RA Collection: People and Organisations

Painter, a native of Newcastle, where his father was a bookbinder. Bell was amongst the first students in the Royal Academy, entering the RA Schools as a painter on 30th January 1769, aged 34 years. In 1771, he was awarded the Gold Medal for history painting. The subject, Venus soliciting Vulcan to forge the armour of Æneas.

Bell was patronised by Sir John Delaval (afterwards Lord Delaval), and, while he was in London, resided at his lordship’s house. In 1775, he exhibited at the RA two views of Seaton Delaval, his patron’s seat in Northumberland. [Source: British History Online website].