Johnstone, William Borthwick

About the artist

Name

Biography

William Borthwick Johnstone was an Edinburgh painter, miniaturist and writer. His subjects were historical, figures, portraits, and landscapes with figures. Johnstone was a lawyer but his love of drawing eventually led him to leaving his work for painting. In 1836, he showed his work for the first time at the Scottish Academy and by 1840, he had become an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy, becoming a full member in 1848. He was made director of the National Gallery of Scotland when it was founded and his extensive knowledge of art and archaelogy made him a valuable asset.
Biographical information from Oxford Art Online.

Creator of