The Peter Holland Story

Hi, my name is Peter Holland, I am a clay modeller and Web Publisher. The main aim of my website can be summed up in a few words:

"My aim is to encourage people to enjoy the creative satisfaction involved in clay sculpture and also to give fine china collectors a unique window into the fine china industry (not to mention some inside tips). I also help people identify their mystery pottery marks for free and we keep this as a public searchable online record.

Along the way, I try to pass on as much generally useful information I can muster. I will help if I can. There are over 1600 pages of information on this site - I suppose some of it must be interesting as we can get over one quarter of a million hits per month!".

peter holland sculptor

To discover how this website helps people, read a few of the heartfelt testimonials here:- Figurines Sculpture Testimonials

Below is the story of how untrained, unqualified and undeterred, I rose to become a leading figure in the UK ceramics industry.

peter holland

What others are saying:

Roger Green. Production Manager Royal Worcester, England.

"Having worked at Royal Worcester for thirty five years, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest sculptors and craftsmen in the world. When Peter modeled the first Celtic Princess (Tara) it revolutionized the style of china figurines. A new era had begun. In addition to that, Peter's model ‘Forty Winks’, in my opinion is the finest figure Royal Worcester has produced in a long time, and one to collect, as I have! I managed to get a pre-production copy in a unique color (a privilege of the job). Peter is a sculptor at the pinnacle of his profession. The movement, bone structure and grace of his models are second to none. He rates with the very best".

Tamara Bonêt, Sculptor, California, USA.

www.tamarabonet.com

"A lot of successful sculptors don't want to give the time of day to a new artist. Peter was different. I was so excited to have such a world class sculptor email me. Okay, I was a little star struck. Then, his regular emails continued helping me step by step. Some of his technical advice still rings in my ears as I sculpt my current work. I'm grateful to him for the encouragement given those many years ago. He's a great guy and artist".

"My wife's favourite piece of art: your "Cherish" sculpture". Peter Frazer

Go to the Gallery Pages for more examples of Peter's Work

Mary Shaw, Artist and Gallery Owner

"There is something about the way Peter Holland works a bronze nude that pairs down the essence of what it is to be human. Beautiful young women in their prime, yet not perfect. Pensive yet confident at the same time. As people, we all have a duality about us - that's what makes us the frail monsters that we are!"

Damian, Typical Site Visitor Says...

"Let's face it, the internet - like the world - has a lot of trash for us to trawl through. Your site and your beautiful creations have enriched both. I admire your work immensely and your clarity that comes through also in the way you write and express yourself on the site."

Peter Holland - Career Biography

Skip to the interesting "How I Done It... Story"

Before going into the world of ceramic sculpture as a professional, I worked with retailers Jaeger and Liberty of London, England in sales management and buying.

It was a very good career for someone only in their 30's, but I didn't get to see my kids much...

At the same time, making time to pursue my interest in clay sculpture, my work was first formally recognized during an exhibition of my work at the Royal Miniature Society in 1993 in Regent Street, London (ironically, very close by to the Liberty store where I worked). The maximum of five sculptures were accepted by the RMS.

It seems a big step from this first small success to switch careers to a sector in which I had no background and no formal training. However, I was prepared to follow my instinct - that small voice in the dark - to wherever it might lead.

The tale of how I was eventually commissioned by the likes of Royal Worcester, Wedgwood, Coalport and Royal Doulton to produce work for them is a story in its own right.

Return from Peter Holland Story (about page) to homepage

How I Built My Own Website With No Technical Knowhow...

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SBI!