William Tilsley Jones was the son of William Jones and Mary Tilsley, only daughter of Rev William Tilsley of Llwydcoed, Mongomeryshire, vicar of Llandidnam. Born 18th July 1782 he married Jane 2nd daughter of Henry Tickell of Leytonstone, Essex in March 1821; she died the following year and in 1826 he married Tickell’s fourth daughter Christina with whom he had a further nine children, many perishing at a young age. He resided at Gwynfryn Hall and is recorded as a magistrate, JP and Deputy Lieutenant for Cardiganshire and High Sheriff for the county by 1838.

Born in London Pickersgill established a very successful portrait practice exhibiting at the Royal Academy regularly throughout his life. His style shows the influence of Sir Thomas Lawrence and he may have been his pupil. He became a popular choice with many of the aristocracy and wealthy middle classes and as such he had a highly successful practice. Examples of his work can be found in many national collections including the National Portrait Galleries of England and Scotland, the Tate and the National Gallery of Ireland.