Background
He was a son of David Willison, an Edinburgh printer and publisher, and grandson of John Willison.
He was a son of David Willison, an Edinburgh printer and publisher, and grandson of John Willison.
There from 1760 to 1767, he worked initially under Raphael Mengs. On his return he settled in London. Willison went to India and painted portraits, including those of some Indian princes and their families.
He returned to Edinburgh, having acquired a large fortune in jewels.
There he continued to paint, and died in April 1797.