William Shiels RSA 1785-1857

The Academy have to lament the loss during the year of Mr. William Shiels, the oldest survivor of those who originally constituted the Academy, and who died in August last, at the advanced age of 72. Mr. Shiels was well known as a painter of animals, and has left many proofs of his industry behind him. 

RSA Obituary, transcribed from the 1857 RSA Annual Report