Peter Holland's Sculpture Portfolio: The Journey from Clay
As a master sculptor, my life's work has been to capture a fleeting moment and preserve it in bone china. The true value of a collectible figurine lies not just in its beauty, but in the story and passion of its creation. On this page, I share a portfolio of a few of my past works, and offer an insider's look into the inspiration, technical challenges, and journey from a simple block of clay to a treasured heirloom. This is my story, through the pieces I created.
The Stories Behind the Sculptures
Each piece tells a unique story of artistic vision, technical mastery, and the delicate balance between imagination and craftsmanship.
Charlotte
This piece, named after my eldest daughter, was a truly personal joy to create. The challenge was to capture her innocent, gentle expression in clay—a moment of childhood that would resonate with collectors. I spent weeks refining the delicate features and the flow of her dress, knowing it would become a timeless representation of a sculptor's love for his child.
Louisa
Coalport's 'The Royal Garden Party' was a collaboration that pushed the boundaries of decoration. My job was to sculpt a figurine that was not only elegant on its own but also served as a perfect canvas for a pioneering 'decal-on-lace' method. The intricate detailing on her dress was a technical challenge, requiring precision in the initial clay work to ensure the decals would settle perfectly during the firing process.
Rosita
Rosita was a piece I created for Royal Doulton. My aim was to sculpt a piece that embodied both romantic beauty and a sense of movement. The flowing lines of her dress were the most enjoyable part to create, with each curve designed to catch the light and give the impression of a dance captured in a single moment.
A Dream Come True
This Coalport piece was part of a very special collaboration with Royal Wedding dress designer Elizabeth Emanuel. Her sketches were full of a unique, ethereal vision, and my task was to translate that flowing fabric and delicate elegance into a tangible, three-dimensional form. It was a wonderful challenge blending the worlds of fashion and sculpture.
Frances
'Frances' was another of Elizabeth Emanuel's designs and was crowned a Coalport Figurine of the Year. The grace in her posture and the intricate folds of her dress were the most rewarding aspects to sculpt. It's a piece that truly demonstrates how collaboration between a designer's vision and a sculptor's skill can create something extraordinary.
Catherine
This Royal Worcester figurine was created for a very special 250th-anniversary celebration. It was a true honor to sculpt a piece commemorating such a milestone for one of the UK's most historic fine china companies. The design was a nod to tradition, and my work focused on bringing a sense of timeless dignity to the piece.
The Snow Queen
Part of the Royal Worcester Fantasy Collection, the Snow Queen was a joy to sculpt. My main challenge was to make the fantasy tangible—to capture the cold elegance and magical presence of the character in the warm softness of clay. The intricate details of her robes and crown were a testament to the artisans who brought her to life in bone china.
Princess Tara
Princess Tara, from the 'Celtic Princess' collection, was a particularly popular piece. The sold-out edition of 7,500 was a testament to the beautiful design. My focus here was on capturing the historical and mythological feel, giving her a sense of ancient grace and strength that resonated deeply with collectors.
Titania, Queen of the Fairies
Titania was a perfect partnership between the designers, the artisans at Royal Worcester, and myself. My goal was to convey the delicate, otherworldly nature of the Queen of the Fairies. The challenge lay in creating a flowing, dynamic pose that felt both ethereal and structurally sound in clay, a true dance between fantasy and reality.
End of Portfolio Gallery
Each sculpture represents countless hours of dedication, from the initial clay modeling to the final fired piece. The journey from concept to collector's treasure is what makes each figurine truly special.
Explore Individual Pieces
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I mainly worked with Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester and Coalport etc. I am proud to say I have worked with some of the finest artisans in the UK, working for some the most prestigious collectible figurine companies in the history of fine china making.
I have had the pleasure to collaborate with Royal Worcester on many projects who lay claim to be the oldest and original porcelain maker in the UK. They were established in 1751. Closely following were Staffordshire rivals Coalport founded in 1795, but earlier links go back to 20 years. I did many figurines for both firms.
Royal Doulton, again based in Stoke-on-Trent, were to become huge rivals to Worcester, but were relative latecomers to the porcelain field, having come along originally as drainpipe makers in 1815. It wasn't until 1904 that they won their Royal Warrant for making fine porcelain. I made a few figurines under their brand, but not as many as my esteemed colleague John Bromley. He seemed to find his way to that brand, whilst I was more a Worcester and Coalport kind of guy.