William J. Leech RHA

William J. Leech (1881-1968) was a Dublin born artist who studied at the Metropolitan School before transferring to the Royal Hibernian Academy under Walter Osborne. In 1903 he travelled to Paris where he became fascinated with the Brittany coastline and countryside, painting extensively before returning to England. Taking influence from impressionism, his paintings and illustrations featured coastal and harbour scenes, landscapes, interiors, still life and portraits.

Leech became friendly with fellow artists George Russell, Constance Gore-Booth and Casimir Dunin Markievicz, holding several group exhibitions with them and others, including William Orpen and Jack Yeats at the first Aonach Art Exhibition, organised by Sinn Féin.