Portrait of William Kelway, seated three-quarter length

William Kelway of Langport, Somerset, is an important figure in the history of British Horticulture. He was particularly instrumental in the breeding of peonies and delphiniums in the latter part of the 19th Century, and in the founding of the Delphinium Society in 1928. His company, Kelway & Son, are a constant point of reference in contemporary journals; and the Royal Horticulture Society manufactured the 'Kelway Medal' in his honour, awarded to planters of distinction.

The present picture's frame makes direct reference to Kelway's achievements, with its decorative delphinium border.