Self-taught painter and author, brought up in rural Kent in post-World War II years. Began painting while serving in the Royal Navy. In 1972 one of his pictures was chosen for John Moores Liverpool Exhibition. He subsequently had a series of solo shows in London galleries and several foreign travelling exhibitions. Williams’ show at The Bruton Street Gallery in 1994, including works meticulously and luminously painted in oil on gesso panel, showed his love of curious detail and enigma. He was the author of several popular books, notably Masquerade. This sold a million copies and clues in its illustrations prompted a treasure hunt for a buried golden hare pendant set with precious stones. The hare’s discovery in 1982 ended a two-and-a-half years’ search by about two million people.