Born in Suffolk into the illustrious Tollemache family of Helmingham Hall, the artist studied at the RA Schools, and in Paris and Brussels. Until about 1896 he painted mainly portraits, but after that his interests moved on to marine subjects.

His RA submissions included Off the Lizard (1903) and Late Afternoon on the Cornish Coast (1904). He was associated with St Ives, and kept a summer studio in Downalong, St Ives.