Portrait of William Constable

Henry Walton is a rarity among English 18th century painters in that he had a private income and was not forced to paint for a living. He was primarily a portraitist and shows a quality of 'finish' in his work that sets him apart from his peers. A great deal is known about William Constable's activity as the re-builder of the great country house, Burton Constable, near Hull, and of his collecting and refurbishing activities. In this respect he emerges as an energetic patron concerned with sound craftsmanship rather than the complexities of neo-classical taste. His sister Winifred is a more obscure character.