West, a local Falmouth boatman, took up painting first as an amateur and later as a professional. His first exhibition was at the RCPS in 1902 in the Amateur Oils section. By 1912 he was described in Lake's Guide as a boatman and artist.

Working and living from a houseboat on the Bar, Falmouth, in 1925, he had two sheds for his boat building and a studio at 7 Minnie Place. His work was sold by local picture dealers, and some he sold himself, signing J H West, or J West. Eight of his paintings were shown at the 150th Anniversary Exhibition at the RCPS in 1983, and all were from private collections.

A recent correspondent (2012) has been able to provide his relevant dates. 'He was born on the 13th September 1856 at Falmouth where he died on the 10th February 1938.'