William Parry (artist)

William Parry (1743-1791) was a Welsh artist, primarily known for his portraiture and historical paintings. Born in Haverfordwest, Wales, he showed early artistic promise and was patronized by Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, who funded his artistic training in London.

Parry studied at the St. Martin's Lane Academy and later under Joshua Reynolds. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1766 and became known for the quality of his portrait likenesses. His subjects included prominent figures of the time, as well as members of the Welsh gentry.

In addition to portraits, Parry painted historical and allegorical subjects. He spent some time in Italy, copying Old Master paintings and further developing his skills. He is also known for painting a large altarpiece for St. Peter's Church, Carmarthen.

Parry's work is characterized by its solid draftsmanship and attention to detail. While not ranked among the very top tier of British artists of his period, he was a successful and respected painter in his own right, and his works are held in several public collections. He died in Bath in 1791.