William Conor

Belfast-born William Conor studied graphic design at the Government School of Design and worked as a poster designer’s apprentice. He was a regular exhibitor at the RHA from 1918 until his death. Conor was worked as a War Artist during both World Wars. In the 1920s he was based in London and in 1926 he travelled to America to undertake portrait commissions. He was a founder member of the Ulster Academy (later the RUA) and was president from 1957 to 1964. He was elected a member of the RHA in 1947 and was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.