James Holland OWS (1799–1870) was born in Burslem, Staffordshire, where his father and other members of his family—including his brother Thomas, also an artist—were employed at the pottery works of William Davenport in Longport. James was employed there from the young age of twelve, for seven years, painting flowers on pottery and porcelain.
In 1819, Holland came to London where he continued to work as a pottery painter, but also gave lessons in drawing landscapes, architecture, and marine subjects. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1824, became an associate exhibitor of The Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1835 and joined the Society of British Artists in 1843. In 1858 he was elected a full member of the Old Water Colour Society.
Holland travelled extensively on the Continent between the 1830s and the 1850s, and he became known for his topographical works which were reproduced in the illustrated travel annuals of the day. He visited Venice, Milan, Geneva, and Paris, Portugal, Normandy and North Wales—sketching their architecture and working up compositions in beautifully coloured watercolours. His pictures of Portugal were published in the book 'The Tourist in Portugal'.
He exhibited prolifically during his lifetime: thirty-two pictures at the Royal Academy, ninety-one at the British Institution, and 108 at the Society of British Artists. His reputation grew further after his death and his works, particularly those of Venice, became much sought after.
