Boase Smith lived in Falmouth and was a member and judge for the exhibitions held annually by the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society. During the 1870s he was a visitor to Polperro. He advertised classes in 'watercolour and pencil drawing' and labelled himself a 'Professor of Drawing'.

In 1895, the Society felt "under obligation to Newlyn and St Ives" for their important contributions: thereafter they continued to contribute regularly. By that date J Philp (James George PHILP) had died, as recently had Boase Smith [sic: perhaps he was ill at that stage]: another constant contributor to the exhibition for over 30 years and a "conscientious judge of Amateur pictures".

A recent correspondent (2013) has written to say that a watercolour painting by this artist has been in his family for 80-100 years and that the subject is Helford Village.