A Victorian Gentleman Artist

William Henry Charlton was born in Newcastle on July 12th 1846, the son of a prosperous grain merchant. The family lived for a time at Causey House in Gosforth however little documentary evidence has been uncovered to verify details of his early life. It has been suggested he was educated both in Edinburgh and at The Percy Street Academy in Newcastle, also known as Bruce's Academy. This school once stood on the site of the old Newcastle Breweries building, which in turn now forms part of Newcastle University's campus.

Described as a 'Victorian gentleman artist' by art historian Douglas Glendinning, Charlton worked for the family business 'W. Charlton, Corn Merchants' until his father's death in 1875. After this time he took over the reigns of the business until his retirement in 1882 aged thirty-six. Financially secure and with abundant leisure time he was now free to pursue his great passion in life – art.