J. Francis Williams RSA 1785-1846

J.F. Williams R.S.A. was born in Perthshire, seems to have gone to England at an early age and favoured the business of a scene painter.

He returned to Edinburgh about 1810, as paint-scene for the Edinburgh Theatre, and first exhibited with the Associated Artists in 1811. 

Latterly he became a member of the Royal Scottish Academy and held the office of Treasurer for seven years.

He died in 1846.

It is the painful duty of the Council to record the melancholy event of the decease of their Treasurer, Mr. J. F. Williams, whose fidelity and zeal in the management of the Academy's finances, during the period of about fourteen years while he filled that office, are well known to the Members.

RSA Obituary by William Allan RSA. Transcribed from the 1846 RSA Annual Report