Welcome to Clackmannanshire.Scot. The site aims to celebrate the county of Clackmannanshire via its towns and villages, history and community and to shine a light on Clackmannanshire's history, community and attractions for tourists and residents alike - you may be surprised by what's on offer.
This time we look at a one-time resident of the county, who went on to great success:
Hugh Collins (1834-1896)
Hugh Collins (1834-1896), was a noted artist and portrait painter. He was for a time resident in Clackmannanshire. Born in Scotland in 1834, it was known that he moved around, ultimately settling in the Broughty Ferry area of Tayside where he died in 1896. Several of his artistic works were based on people or events in the Dundee area.
Wreckage from The Tay Bridge - Hugh Collins - Dundee Art Galleries and Museums Collection
During his residence in Clackmannanshire, Hugh was known as a house painter and artist. One early commission he received here was to put the name of the Alloa Band on their new drum, "which he did very tastefully by first painting a fine flowing riband, and then putting the name of the band on the riband."*
Searching for the deserter - Hugh Collins
Hugh lived for a short time in Cambus, where he painted the view from the gates of the distillery which once existed there. He also is known to have lived on Ochil Street in Alloa as well as at Bedford Place, so he must have been doing fine financially at the time.
Some of his portraits can be found at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Dundee Art Galleries and Museums.
It you have any further information on Hugh Collins, please feel free to get in touch.
References
*Alloa, 60 years ago (1911) - James Archibald
Art UK
Alloa Advertiser
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