Born on 23 April 1820 in Croydon, he studied under John Varley and A. W. Callcott before entering the Royal Academy, London schools in 1840. Between 1840 and 1915 he regularly exhibited portraits and sentimental genre scenes at the Royal Academy, London; elected Associate Royal Academician, London 1861 and Royal Academician 1869, retiring in 1914.

He was appointed Principal Painter to the Queen in 1871. He died in London on 2 July 1916.