Peter Hollins

Who was Peter Hollins?

Peter Hollins was an English sculptor. He was born on 1 May 1800 in Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, the fourth surviving son of the sculptor and architect William Hollins. Several members of his family were involved in artistic pursuits, including a cousin, John Hollins, the son of a Birmingham glass painter, who found success as a painter of portraits and historical subjects in London.

Peter Holins Hollins studied drawing under Vincent Barber and sculpture in his father's studio before moving to London to work for Francis Chantrey in 1822. He visited Italy around 1835 and returned to Birmingham in 1843 to take over his father's studio on Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

Showing both classical and romantic influences, he produced over sixty major works, including statuary at Malvern Priory, Bodelwyddan Castle, the Royal College of Surgeons and Weston Park.

Hollins was vice-President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists for thirty seven years, and also exhibited at the Royal Academy. Although he was less well known as a result of being based outside London for much of his career, Hollins' best work is considered to be the equal of that of Chantrey. His cousin, John Hollins, moved to London to paint portraits and became an associate of the Royal Academy.