Born in Liverpool, son of artist James Aitken, with whom he studied. Also studied at Manchester, Liverpool and Wallasey Schools of Art. He exhibited widely, in Britain and abroad, river and marine views being favourite subjects, at RA, RWA, RI, RSA, Fine Art Society, Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, as well as in Europe, India, Ceylon and North and South America. Wakefield City Art Gallery is one of several holding his work. Lived in Port St Mary, Isle of Man.