Northampton artist’s work donated to University

The University of Northampton archives hold treasures detailing everything from oral histories of Northamptonian’s experiences living and working in the town, to this historical past of the University. Now, thanks to a donation from local artist Linda Sgoluppi, approximately 300 works of acclaimed local artist George Herbert Buckingham Holland (1901-1987), will find a home at the University.

George Holland was born and educated in Northampton, training as an artist at Northampton School of Art, a predecessor of the University of Northampton. In 1923 he opened a studio at Whitworth Chambers, George Row, Northampton where he worked primarily as a portrait painter. George made his living painting portraits of Northampton’s dignitaries, but he also painted flowers, landscapes, town scenes and coastal scenes, mostly in oil.

Annette Reeves, Records and Archive Assistant, said: “The works donated includes portraits, life drawings and other sketches. In our work to archive the donation, we discovered that one of the portraits we already owned was painted by Holland. It is a portrait of a previous principal from the college of technology as it was then, Oliver F. Bailey on his retirement in 1955.

“Holland started his life as an artist honing his skills in Northampton with one of our predecessor Colleges, now, decades later, his later works are to be preserved at the University, a poetic addition to the archives. The works will now be carefully catalogued and preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

The sketches are available to view in the archive by appointment now.

The University of Northampton’s archives are open to the public, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4pm by prior appointment.