He studied art in Rome in his youth, and showed himself a skilful draughtsman.
He matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford, on 9 November 1807, aged 37, and became a student of the Middle Temple on 7 February 1810.
He wrote on botanical, artistic and political topics and was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
A relative of the same name died at Cheney Longville, Shropshire, on 25 February 1831, while high sheriff of Radnorshire.
An elder brother, John Wood Duppa (1762–1840), was rector of Puddlestone, Herefordshire.