William Ratcliffe (artist)

William Ratcliffe (1870-1955) was a British painter and designer associated with the Camden Town Group and the London Group. Born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, he initially trained as a designer, working in his family's decorating business.

Ratcliffe's artistic career took off after meeting Walter Sickert around 1907. Sickert encouraged Ratcliffe to pursue painting and introduced him to the circle of artists that would later form the Camden Town Group. He became a founding member of the group in 1911. His paintings often depicted urban scenes and landscapes, characterised by a muted palette and a focus on everyday life.

Following the disbandment of the Camden Town Group in 1913, Ratcliffe joined the London Group, continuing to exhibit his work. Throughout his career, Ratcliffe's style remained consistent with the principles of the Camden Town Group, emphasising realism and a focus on the overlooked beauty of ordinary subjects. He exhibited regularly and his work is now held in numerous public and private collections.