Carmichael was born in Newcastle. His father was a ship’s carpenter, and he was apprenticed to a shipbuilder in his youth.

At the age of 23, he set up a painting workshop, sharing the premises Blackett Street, Newcastle with the painter Thomas Richardson, Senior.

It has been suggested that Richardson may have been his teacher.

Carmichael left Newcastle to travel throughout Italy.

By 1847 he had returned to Britain and set up a studio in London. He was very prolific and a regular exhibitor of marine works.

Provenance: Given by the Port of Sunderland Authority, 1973

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on board
Artist: John Wilson Carmichael (1799-1868)
Date: 1862

Image Details
Date: 20 April 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/33s
ISO: 320
Licensing: Image of a Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens asset. This image cannot be licensed.