Painter noted for his detailed figurative works, born in Leicester. After attending the Gateway Boys’ Grammar School there, 1955–60, he graduated with first-class honours in fine art, painting, from Leicester Polytechnic School of Fine Art, 1975–9. He was a scenic artist for the BBC at its Pebble Mill Studios, Birmingham, 1980–3, in 1984 being elected a member of Leicester Society of Artists. Wheatley took part in mixed exhibitions throughout the United Kingdom, 1983–91. Having won the School of Fine Art Travel Award, Leicester Society of Artists, 1978, Wheatley gained 1st Prize in the William Lee Quatercentenary Portrait Competition with a second self-portrait, in historic guise, presented by HRH The Princess Royal, 1989, then in 1991 won The Society Prize at the Leicester Society’s Annual Exhibition.