MCDOWALL, William 1749-1810
William McDowall was born at Castle Semple, Renfrewshire on 17 November 1749, eldest son of the wealthy William McDowall (1719–1778) and his wife Elizabeth Graham. McDowall was educated at Glasgow University 1761 and demonstrated a keen interest in art from an early age. He went on the 'Grand Tour' the party included Sir John Rous, 6th Bt, and 1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827) and the Hon. John Tollemache (1750-1777) and McDowall spent considerable time in Suffolk. McDowall was also involved in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for various constituencies his political activities, particularly his involvement with trade in the West Indies, have led to scholarly debate regarding the potential influence of colonial experiences on his art. William McDowall was living at Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland 1784-1798 and died on 3 April 1810, he was unmarried.