William Blake Richmond was a British painter and sculptor born in 1842. He was the son of the famous painter George Richmond and grew up in an artistic environment. Richmond studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and later became a professor of painting there. He was known for his portraits, historical paintings, and sculptures. Some of his notable works include the murals at St. Paul's Cathedral, the statue of William Shakespeare in Leicester Square, and the portrait of Queen Victoria. Richmond was also a member of the Royal Academy and was knighted in 1897. He died in 1921 at the age of 79. Richmond's legacy lives on through his contributions to the art world and his influence on future generations of artists.