William Alexander Coulter

William Alexander Coulter was born in Ireland on 7 March, 1849. His father was Captain in the Coast Guard and at a young age William undertook a seven year apprenticeship at sea. He was naturally gifted at drawing and made sketches and paintings during his leisure hours at sea. By 1869 he was living in San Francisco and while working as a sail maker he continued to paint in his spare time. Many of his works document maritime activity in San Francisco's Harbour.