William Hemsley (painter)

William Hemsley (1817-1893) was a British genre painter known for his depictions of children and domestic scenes. Born in London, he studied art at the South Kensington Schools. Hemsley exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1839 until his death. His works, often sentimental and narrative in nature, were popular with the Victorian public and frequently reproduced as engravings. Common themes in his paintings include children playing, reading, or engaged in other everyday activities, often within rustic or rural settings. While not considered a groundbreaking artist, his paintings provide a glimpse into the social life and domestic ideals of Victorian England.