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Peter Collis RHA (1929-2012)
The Glencree Valley II
Oil on canvasboard, 30 x 41cm (12 x 16”)
Signed
Exhibited: RHA Annual Exhibition 2002, Dublin
€1,000 - 2,000
Born in London in 1929, Peter Collis studied drawing and painting at Epsom College of Art
between 1949 and 1952. He moved to Ireland in 1969 working for the Shell Oil company. His
canvasses are characterised by a powerful and dramatic style influenced by masters such as Paul
Cezanne, whom he adored, and Maurice de Vlaminck. In contrast to the traditional realistic depic-
tions of the Irish countryside, Collis employed a bold brush and brought a strong expressive energy
to his landscapes.He also composed striking still lifes, of groups of green pears and vivid red apples,
with a distinctive European quality.
In 1990, he was elected a full member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, having first exhibited
there in 1971. He also exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy Summer show in London. In
Dublin, Collis was most recently represented by the Solomon Gallery and by the John Martin
Gallery in London. He died in 2012.
His paintings are found in many public collections, including those of AIB, Bank of Ireland, Lim-
erick University, University College Dublin, the Office of Public Works and in many private col-
lections.