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Peter Collins ARCALife study of Sylviane1980
1980
$1,354.76
£1,000
€1,168.91
CA$1,869.78
A$2,094.56
CHF 1,089.43
MX$25,549.35
NOK 13,869.93
SEK 13,078.36
DKK 8,724.41
About the Item
Born in London in 1923, Collins began his artistic journey working in a commercial studio while attending evening classes at art school. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Artillery—teaching painting and drawing for the Army Education Corps—and also taught part-time at St Martin’s School of Art
After the war, Collins earned a scholarship to the Royal College of Art (1947–1950). Upon graduation, he worked extensively as a commercial and poster artist, producing iconic travel posters for British Railways and British European Airways, and designing for corporations such as ICI and Shell. He also held the position of Art Director at Odhams Press
In the 1960s, Collins and his wife Georgette converted a series of buildings into Balcombe Galleries in Sussex. Later, in 1975, they acquired and redeveloped Stanley Studios in Chelsea, transforming it into a hub for artists, antiques, and sculpture, firmly immersing themselves in the vibrant Chelsea art scene
Collins’s work is characterized by vibrant color, bold composition, and confident brushwork. Trained as a superb draftsman, he explored a wide range of subjects—from figures and landscapes to atmospheric coastal scenes—often working in oil on board or canvas
He exhibited at respected venues including the Royal Academy, Balcombe Galleries, and the Zella‑Nine Gallery. Collins was also a member of the Chelsea Arts Club. His work is featured in public and private collections, and he played an integral role in the art communities of Sussex and Chelsea
This expressive drawing by Peter Collins presents four figure studies of a nude female model, titled Sylviane. Executed in pencil and pastel, the work showcases the artist’s confident draftsman and sensitivity to the human form. Each pose captures the model seated or reclining with open legs, revealing a frank yet non-voyeuristic engagement with the nude — a subject long explored in Western art tradition.
The use of soft pastel introduces delicate tonal contrasts that emphasize volume and flesh, while the gestural pencil lines suggest movement and immediacy. Rather than polished renderings, the studies are fluid, intimate observations—likely drawn from life—demonstrating Collins’s practiced eye and his appreciation for the natural, unidealized body.
The drawing reflects his grounding in academic figure study, as well as his connection to the liberated, expressive ethos of mid-20th-century British art.
It is signed and dated in the bottom right
The size of the drawing are 31 x 46.5 cm
- Creator:Peter Collins ARCA (1923 - 2001, British)
- Creation Year:1980
- Dimensions:Height: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)Width: 21.86 in (55.5 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: b 291stDibs: LU2841216730132
Peter Collins ARCA
With a fondness for life drawing, Peter Collins ARCA was perhaps a natural choice for the bikini-clad inhabitants of the pages of a holiday brochure. Collins's first job was at an advertising agency, in the commercial studio, while he attended evening art classes. World War II interrupted his career and he joined the Royal Artillery (of the British Army), teaching painting and drawing in the Education Corps, while simultaneously teaching at St Martin's School of Art, part time. Following the war, Collins studied at the Royal College of Art, winning a scholarship. Leaving in 1950, he then worked as a commercial artist producing some well-known posters for clients including British Railways and British European Airways. He was the Art Director at Odhams Press and spent time designing for both ICI and Shell. With his wife Georgette, he created the 'Bacombe Galleries' in Sussex, converting a group of buildings. In 1975, they again converted buildings, this time Stanley Studios in Chelsea, which were scheduled for redevelopment; many artists had worked there, probably the most famous being Elizabeth Frink. Combining an artist's studio and a single residence at Stanley Studios, the Collins’ were immersed in Chelsea's art scene and proceeded to fill the place with art, antiques, sculptures and curios.
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