British landscape painting in the 19th century is marked in a special way by two great names. Joseph Mallord William Turner and John Constable transformed landscape painting. They captured the light and opened the eye to the scenic beauty of their homeland. Many art critics are tempted to seek their influence, in the generations of landscape painters who followed them. In the case of the painter William Mellor, this search seems in vain. His works reveal a unique view of nature and a meticulousness of execution that allow few parallels with other artists. The painter followed a path that bears witness to the great gift of contemplation of nature and classical painting.

William Mellor was born in Yorkshire. After finishing his school career, William begins an apprenticeship as a loom leno and works in that profession for a time. William's father is a professional painter and probably gives his son his first art lessons. The style and subject matter William Mellor chooses for his depictions indicate influence from his father. William stops working in weaving and devotes himself entirely to painting. The artist begins to travel. His destinations are the unique landscapes of the British Isles. In the Lake District and the northern regions of Wales and Yorkshire, the painter finds his inspiration. The hilly landscapes, in nature a contrast of gentle meadows and rugged cliffs become a harmonious unity in William Mellor's paintings. Water surfaces become mirrors for the blue of the sky and the rich shore lines. Figures add a narrative element to the scenes.

A particular aspect of William Mellor's work is the focus on summer and autumn landscapes. The reasons for this are probably quite mundane. Travelling in the cold winter months was not a pleasure in the 19th century and Mellor preferred to stay at home with his wife and children during these months. When the weather was good, the artist revelled in the splendour of colour offered by the poetic landscapes. When the sunlight played with the foliage, William captured the entirety of the scene. The delicate foliage, the bright blue of the sky and the bright sheen of the water. They are scenes that radiate tranquility and seem peaceful. William Mellor had a special sense of natural light and was a master at illuminating his landscapes. The painter noted on the backs of the canvases, the particular location where he painted the canvas. Even without this additional marking, the paintings have a high recognition value. William Mellor never exhibited in London. Buyers of his works were the wealthy inhabitants of the landscapes he discovered on his travels.