William Taverner (artist)

William Taverner (1703 – 20 October 1772) was an English judge and amateur landscape artist.

He devoted his leisure time to art, and according to Redgrave,[1] 'His drawings are chiefly in body colour, imitating the Italian masters, mostly woody scenes, and, though clever, do not by any means maintain the great reputation which he enjoyed in his own day.'

Taverner gave instructions for a will shortly before his death, and on personal evidence the will was proved in November 1772.

No relatives are mentioned, but 2,900 pounds was left in trust for his servant, Sarah Davis.

Taverner never publicly exhibited his work and it is possible that, in his lifetime, his paintings circulated only amongst friends and fellow amateurs.