The visual arts were a natural endeavour in Bill’s family. His father, Birkin Haward, was an architect and painter, while his mother Muriel studied at the Royal College of Art. His brother Birkin was also an architect, while brother John became an art teacher, with both still painting.

Bill initially studied at the Architectural Association until a work experience period in his father’s office. Architectural studies continued at the University of North London while working for Ipswich Borough Council Architects. Once qualified, he worked for local firms, designing and supervising housing, community and education projects, latterly as a consultant.

While drawing was important for his professional life, it has had a wider value in exploring the character of interesting buildings and landscapes, both locally and abroad. Now retired he has enjoyed developing his artwork, particularly with collage.

He lives on the Suffolk coast at Reydon, with Tricia Davidson, a painter. They exhibit at the Aldeburgh Gallery (aldeburghgallery.co.uk) once a year and have Open Studios for the Southwold Arts Festival (southwoldartsfestival.co.uk). They are members of Easterly Artists (easterly.org.uk), who exhibit locally.