David Young Cameron RSA was born in Glasgow in 1865, son of the Rev. Robert Cameron. He was educated at Glasgow Academy and at the Royal Scottish Academy Life School.
Cameron was knighted in 1922, and was His Majesty’s Painter and Limner for Scotland from 1933. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1911 and a full Member in 1920. The Royal Scottish Academy made him an Associate in 1904 and an Academician in 1918.
Cameron’s reknown was widespread, and he received numerous awards. He was a Trustee of the National Gallery of British Art, Millbank, and of the National Galleries of Scotland; as well as being a Member of the Royal Fine Art Commission. He was very active in the affairs of the Church of Scotland, especially in the interior decoration of the churches, and in request as a lecturer on Art and the Church, and was President of the Manse Fellowship.