William John Leech was born in Dublin and educated at St. Columba’s College, the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, the RHA Schools - under the Sir Walter Osborne, the Académie Julian, Paris and later in Switzerland. He was elected to the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in 1910, though had exhibited there since 1899.  

Leech lived in England from 1916, often showing at the New English Arts Club and the Royal Academy, while being represented in Ireland through the Dawson Gallery. He is acknowledged as one of the greatest colourists in Irish art, though he died in total obscurity.