Frances Mabel Hollams (1877-1963)

A portrait of a greyhound named 'Stalky' standing in a landscape, signed 'F M Hollams' lower left and 'Stalky' upper right. Oil on panel in a giltwood frame.

Frances Mabel Hollams (sometimes known as Florence Mabel Hollams) is known for her portraits of horses and dogs. Hollams studied under artist Frank Calderon (artist of portraits, landscapes, figure subjects and sporting pictures) and at The Académie Julian art school in Paris. The Académie Julian was unusual at the time because it accepted and trained women artists. Hollams was most active as a painter in the early part of the 20th century, her major exhibitions taking place between 1899 and 1929.

She was one of the first female members of the Royal Academy, exhibiting eight paintings and was
elected to the Society of Women Artists in 1899.
The style of Hollam’s work is very life-like and detailed. As well as horses and dogs, her subjects also included some flowers and human figures. Typically her works are signed, and sometimes include the name of the subject, as in this present example.
Hollams was married to land agent Charles Lionel Fox who worked for the Fairlawne Estate, Tonbridge, Kent, England. The Fairlawne Estate was owned by the Cazelet family, who were well-known racehorse owners and trainers. Major Peter Cazalet was the trainer of horses owned by the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who used to stay at the estate on visits. In addition to the Cazalets, Hollams' patrons included the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Sefton, and Lord Cornwallis.