A charming genre painting of children playing marbles by William Bromley. Three boys can be seen involved in a game of marbles outside a cottage while their mother watches on to ensure fair play.

William Bromley was born in Byfleet, Surrey in 1816 to John Charles Bromley (1795-1839), an artist and engraver. He was the Grandson of William Bromley (1769-1842) the engraver and printmaker and father of the artists Valentine Walter Bromley (1848-1877), William John Bromley (1858-1839) and John Mallard Bromley (1860-1917). His brother Frederic Bromley (act. 1832-1821) was also an artist.

Bromley studied the art of engraving with his father but later became a painter of genre scenes. His skill and draughtsmanship made him particularly good at painting figures set in landscapes or interiors that told a story. He married Anne Darke in 1847 and they lived at 22 Devonshire Villas in Paddington with their 7 children.

He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1844 until 1870 and at the British Institution from 1843. He also exhibited many works at Suffolk Street. He later became a member of the Royal Academy. By 1867 the family had moved to Howard House, Loudoun Road in Marylebone. He remained in the Marylebone area until his death on 12 July, 1890.

Paintings by Bromley can be found in various art galleries and museums including Williamson Art Gallery, Manchester City Art Galleries, Erewash Borough Council, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, The New Art Gallery Walsall. A photograph taken of him is held by the National Portrait Gallery.