The artist attended the RA Schools from 1845, exhibiting his work at the RA from 1846. He was a pupil of Paul Delaroche, and a lifelong friend of Gerome. In 1852 he accompanied William Thackeray as his Secretary on a lecture tour of the USA.

In 1867 and 1878 he sent-in paintings to the Paris Salon from London, usually depicting historical themes, and in 1889 a marine title depicting Portsmouth from the Reform Club.

He is mentioned as visiting Newlyn in Stanhope FORBES's letters of 1886. He died in London, age 86, on 12 December 1910 (GRO).