William Purcell McDonald was born in Cincinnati on September 18, 1864. He attended the McMicken School of Design and the Cincinnati Art Academy, and underwent further studies in France and under Clement Barnhorn in Italy. He joined the Rookwood Pottery in 1882 and remained there  until his death in 1931. Avocationally, McDonald enjoyed painting, doing portraits, figure studies, landscapes, still lifes and mural decorations. He held membership in the McDowell Society, the Duveneck Society and the Cincinnati Art Club.