Fraser, who was from a nautical family, travelled widely during the early part of his life. It is not known where he studied. His work shows the influence of Thomas Somerscales and Edoardo de Martino, marine painter to the royal family, for whom he painted pictures which de Martino finished and signed. In later life he ran a print shop in Westminster selling reproductions. In the 1950s the residue of his studio, including many sketchbooks, was transferred to the Museum. The watercolour is signed and dated 1908.