Grenville Cottingham, was born in Exeter on April 16, 1943. He died of pneumonia on February 17, 2007, aged 63.

He studied at Exeter College of Art from 1960-63 and under Clifford Fishwick at Liverpool College of Art from 1963-64. He was appointed as artist and teacher to the Seafarers Education Service by the director of the Marine Society. In three years he travelled around 150,000 miles on 19 different ships.  During his years at sea he studied the sea and ships, frequent subjects of his work. He painted a wide range of marine subjects in oil, watercolour and acrylic.

He also held part-time positions as senior tutor at Hornsey Art School (Middlesex University) and Sir John Cass College (London Guildhall University), but eventually devoted his time to commissions. 

He exhibited many times at the RSMA and was elected a member in 1988. He was also a member of the RBA and exhibited at the RA, RI and held solo exhibitions at Woodlands Gallery, Blackheath, Quay Arts Centre, Isle of Wight and at the Hallam Gallery, London.