A true Renaissance man in every way, William has risen above life’s challenges to accomplish greatness. Being diagnosed with hemophilia B as a child did not keep him from his dreams; it fueled his desire to follow his heart and live his passion.
As a master engraver whose extraordinary talent has left an indelible mark on the artwork of our nation’s currency, William worked for the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Regarding that $5 bill, William poured over 500 hours into sculpting and cutting this image into a master die. He also engraved the image of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and the intricate border on the Series 1996 $100 bill, among numerous other engravings. William is one of only about 40 banknote portrait engravers in the world. A skilled journeyman in this most prestigious group of engravers, William served the Bureau for 34 years. He fulfilled a vital role in the Bureau’s mission, which continues to be responsible for creating security documents, paper money, and passports.
William’s artistry transcends the confines of time, allowing viewers a glimpse into the moments captured in his work. Some of his creations are so detailed that you might need to look twice to determine if they are photographic illusions. However, they are exquisite, meticulously crafted drawings and engravings, rich with brilliant lines and tonalities. It’s an experience akin to time travel – his art effortlessly transports you back to the very period the artwork depicts. It’s not just magical; it’s a true experience of transformation.
Having the chance to meet William and visit his studio nestled in the vibrant heart of our nation’s capital is truly an unforgettable experience. His enthusiasm for his craft shines through, making even the journey to his studio feel like a fascinating heritage walking tour led by a savvy local guide.
An eighth-generation Washingtonian, William lives in the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard neighborhood where his family has resided since the 1750s. When he shares stories about D.C., it’s clear that nobody knows this city better than he does. His roots run deep in the fabric of Washington, and his pride in being a native Washtonian is profound. Visiting William is not just about admiring his work; it’s an immersion into a rich history intertwined with art, culture, and the vibrant life of our nation’s capital.
To know the man is to revel in his impressive accomplishments and artful legacy. And yet there is so much more to William, many who have met him may not even know. William was born with hemophilia B, a rare bleeding disorder whose origin started in his family back in Scotland, the ancestral home of his mother’s family, and where other members of his family still live today.
Although William was not ‘formally’ diagnosed with hemophilia until age 10, he was always treated and cared for as having the disorder because of his family history and his bleeding tendencies. At the tender age of two, he had an accident with a sharpened pencil that landed in his nostril, 1/8 inch away from his brain. He experienced lingering issues with terrible, gushing nose bleeds and insomnia, as well as other bleeds that plagued him throughout his school years, where, as a shy boy, he often became the target of bullies.
It took the old saying “kids can be cruel” to a whole new level. William said they wanted to hurt him to see if he would bleed. The constant worry about potential injuries loomed over him, but his father’s words rang in his ears: “Don’t shy away, face them head-on.” Gathering courage, William stood up to his bullies despite the risks. At the age of 17, he experienced a significant growth spurt, growing a foot taller! From that point on, no one bothered him.
William’s mother felt guilty about his diagnosis, while his father, who had a strong, tough-guy demeanor, wished for William to embody the same qualities. However, he understood the risks involved. Aware that his son faced greater risks due to his bleeding disorder, he kept William away from sports and took extra precautions in caring for him. He was a nurturing and devoted father.
William’s parents never told him that his life expectancy during his childhood was drastically shorter compared to today’s standards. He only learned about this recently while watching “On the Shoulders of Giants,” a film produced by Believe Limited, and he was not pleased to discover it. In the documentary, a senior community leader shares his life story and discusses the reduced life expectancy for hemophiliacs in the past. This affected William deeply. He believes that having this knowledge earlier might have altered his actions throughout his life. Nevertheless, William has navigated his journey and has much to show for it. The bumps and bruises he experienced over the years have turned into valuable life lessons.
Since childhood, William has always known he wanted to pursue a career in the arts. His family’s lineage on his father’s side is steeped in creativity, boasting a German heritage of professional printers. His father was a skilled artist and master calligrapher. Even his great-great-grandfather, James Fleishell, left his mark as a stone carver at the U.S. Capitol.
While art came naturally to William, he was not one to rely solely on talent. He committed himself to countless hours of training, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of fine arts education at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. At the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, he earned a certificate and received multiple awards for excellence. Later while working at the Bureau, he earned a bachelor’s degree in printmaking at George Washington University. He also studied anatomy and considered a career in medical illustration.
At age 27, William’s dedication and talent led him to a remarkable opportunity. A stunning crow quill pen drawing he had painstakingly crafted over 18 months – a whimsical arrangement of relics one might find in an attic – caught the attention of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. What followed was a momentous 10-year apprenticeship, the longest of its kind in North America. He was hired on the spot, stepping into a world where art and precision meet. There, he perfected the intricate skill of vignette portrait engraving, a craft that transforms delicate artistry into a solid steel engraving.
William soon graduated to journeyman picture engraver in 1998, and in addition to the work on currency, found himself with the unique honor of crafting the official engraved portraits of former President George W. Bush, late Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, current Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, and various Secretaries of the Treasury over the years. Perhaps most notably, he was responsible for the engraved portrait of George Washington commemorated on a 1997 stamp, issued to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first U.S. postage stamp. With each piece he produced, William transformed his passion into tangible works of art—masterpieces destined for paper money, postage stamps, and various official U.S. documents. As his career flourished, so did his sense of pride in contributing to the legacy of American artistry and history. His last official portraits with the Bureau were of Eleanor Roosevelt and Frederick Douglass.
After William’s impressive 34 years of service, he bid farewell to the Bureau in October 2021, a direct result of pain and joint issues. The job was creative, yes, but it was also physically demanding, particularly when working with machinery, and the process of his work started to take a toll on him. Although he persevered through the pain for many years, he ultimately decided it was time for a change.
Taking his leave from the Bureau with a catalog of brilliant work over the years, William embarked on a vibrant new chapter brimming with creativity. His days are now a delightful canvas of teaching art classes, where he passionately shares his love for all forms of artistic expression. A proud descendant of veterans, William finds deep fulfillment in giving back to military families through the Armed Services Art Partnership. On Capitol Hill, he hosts free painting and drawing classes specifically for veterans and their families. He also teaches at the Washington Studio School and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, where he inspires ambitious students with engaging workshops.
William’s artistic journey is as dynamic as the pieces he creates. He is busy with commissioned work for prestigious clients, including The New York Historical Society, Oprah Winfrey, the Bugatti family, and the Cooper Hewitt Museum, to name a few. His diverse portfolio of commissioned work features everything from stunning artworks to elegant wine labels, personalized stationery, and bookplate designs. His talent has garnered significant attention over the years, showcased in various articles and television features, including a captivating segment on the Discovery Channel called “Inside the World’s Mightiest Bank”.
In the early 1990s, William was introduced to The Coalition for Hemophilia B. He is proud to be one of the early members of this organization. He recently attended his very first Annual Symposium in 2022 and has cultivated numerous friendships within the community, discovering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. He plans to continue the growing friendships and connect with new friends soon at upcoming events with the Coalition, as well as his local chapter, The Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area.
Life has not always been easy for William, but he carries the wisdom imparted by his father: “If you learn to draw well, you will always have a way to earn a living. It’s what you do with what you are given that makes the difference.” In his retirement, William fills his days with creating art and teaching others. His studio, a charming repurposed carriage house, is nestled in a lovely neighborhood where residents share a sense of community. Just steps away from the heart of politics and power, his creativity flourishes.
Though he may have been a bit shy in his younger days, William now loves meeting new people and sharing his passion for art and his personal story. Living and breathing the art culture, William immerses himself in the vibrant community around him. He often says, “If you’re into art, you’re my friend!” Art is all around us. How could you not love it? If you’re new to the art world, William will happily guide you in appreciating it, showing off his hometown. For William, life is nothing short of a beautiful canvas waiting to be painted!
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