Figure and landscape artist in most media, and teacher, born in Wallasey, Cheshire. McCannell was educated in New Zealand, where his family had sailed, and where a football accident left him lame. Began studying at Bournemouth School of Art, 1899, then won a Royal Scholarship to Royal College of Art in 1900, where studied under Gerald Moira. Began teaching at Harrow Art School in 1919; from 1928–45 principal of Farnham School of Art; taught part-time at St Martin’s School of Art, 1946–60. Was regarded as an inspiring teacher, many students going on to the Royal College. His daughter Ursula McCannell studied at Farnham. Often signing his work McC, he began exhibiting at the RA in 1915, also showing at Leger and Redfern Galleries, RI, ROI, RBA and Paris Salon.