He has been described as "the leading marine artist and ship portrait painter in Hull during the first half of the 19th century".
Ward exhibited several paintings in 1827 at the Hull and East Riding Institute for the Promotion of the Fine Arts.
In 1981 an exhibition of his works was held at the Ferens Art Gallery to coincide with the opening of the Humber Bridge.
In June 2009, one of Ward's paintings, "Schooners Ellen Crawford and Dwina" (1843), was stolen from Hull Maritime Museum.
[3] At his trial, the Crown Court judge described the painting as "part of the heritage of the city of Hull, building on its reputation and art links with the maritime world".