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Richard Collins (artist) facts for kids

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George III (reigned 1760-1820) by Richard Collins
Miniature portrait of King George III, painted around 1790. This tiny artwork is set in a gold brooch and is now in the Denver Art Museum.

Richard Collins (1755–1831) was a talented British artist. He was famous for painting very small portraits, known as miniatures. These tiny artworks were often worn as jewelry or kept as keepsakes.

About Richard Collins

Richard Collins was born in Gosport, Hampshire, on January 30, 1755. He learned a special type of painting called enamel-painting from another artist, Jeremias Meyer. Enamel painting uses powdered glass mixed with colors, which is then heated to create a smooth, shiny surface.

In 1777, Richard Collins began showing his portraits at the Royal Academy. This was a big deal for artists in London.

Working for the King

Richard Collins became very popular, just like other famous miniature painters of his time, Richard Cosway and Samuel Shelley. In 1789, he was given an important job: he became the main portrait painter in enamel for King George III.

He painted many beautiful miniature portraits of the King and other members of the royal family. These tiny paintings were very detailed and showed the faces of important people.

Later Years

By 1811, Richard Collins had earned enough money from his art. He decided to leave London and retired to a town called Pershore in Worcestershire. He also left his job working for the King.

However, around 1828, his love for art brought him back to London. He lived near Regent's Park until he passed away on August 5, 1831.

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