William Raymond Dommersen was born in Holland in the 1850's and died in London some time after 1900.
He was the son of Pieter Cornelis Dommersen. Father and son often travelled together around Europe on painting expeditions - they are known to have painted in Holland, France, Belgium, England and Italy. There is no doubt that the father influenced his son's techniques, and he also sometimes helped him with the actual painting.
Whilst in England, he lived in Tunbridge Wells, painting a number of views of this picturesque town and some scenes on the river Thames, including views of Windsor Castle. Most of his Dutch pictures show towns and vilages on the waterways and, like the work of his father, street scenes are comparatively rare. He often inscribed his panel and canvases on the reverse, occasionally affixing a wax seal.
He signed his name: W. Dommersen: William Dommersen; and W.R. Dommersen. His paintings are distinctive in colouring and style and at once recognisable as his work.
