Previous Shows & Exhibitions (Curriculum Vitae)
If you are interested to know what my career, which now spans 30 years, has involved, which includes where I have shown and sold work over this period you may find this article interesting. Scroll to the bottom for my C.V.
The debate around nature versus nurture with regard to what makes an artist rages on. I believe that every human (and the odd animal) has the potential to be creative and that results may vary, which is often to do with how much practice you put in. The question really is should you call yourself an artist? This is largely an ego based option to wrestle with (e.g. I have kept backyard chickens for years but I wouldn’t have the cheek to call myself a poultry farmer!). Personally, I have now compiled enough evidence to feel comfortable with to calling myself an artist…
Pigcasso
Internationally renowned animal artist.
In my experience, I was always creative. One of my earliest memories is my father pointing out that I had drawn a (wonky) horse standing on top of the horizon rather than within the landscape, an astute compositional observation that I took note of. Apparently I was also chewing up paper and sticking it to my bedroom door whilst still in the crib, so I think there is a strong case for natural aptitude! I grew up watching 70’s T.V. such as “Take Hart” and “Why Don’t You” which encouraged me to just switch off my television set and go out and make everything from clothes for my Cindy doll to string puppets and deviant stuffed animals, some of which I still have. I credit hours spent playing with Lego for developing my hand-eye coordination and motor skills - not the new kits, where the design is laid out for you (I know contemporary Lego nerds will be recoiling in horror), but the old school jumble of bricks which force you to use your imagination and create something from scratch - once again, I have hung onto my Lego for posterity demonstrating the significance of these things to me.
My earliest recorded artwork - after Jackson Pollock.
As I progressed through my education I became known for being good at art. A precocious collage of a bird at primary school, an epic effigy of medieval London Bridge made from boxes in secondary school. My GCSE sketchbook was used to teach the A-level art class (just bragging) - this sketchbook also remains a precious artifact. The affirmation that I received at school was sadly in contrast to the critical feedback at home, which could not help to be incongruent and formative.
My decision to study art at A-Level was my personal commitment to be an artist. I went on to use the entire years supply of PVA on a single sculptural creation in the first term of my Foundation Course, for which I received a distinction (for the course, not for monopolising the glue). After that I was the rather vexingly only second best at life drawing in my year at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University which helped me achieve a 2:1.
As my father used to say - “ If you are number two, you may as well be number two hundred.” - thanks dad.
Unlike academic students, there was no defined next step or office job waiting for me so, on graduating Oxford University, I sampled a some dubious employment - demonstrating massage machines on unsuspecting passers by and becoming somewhat bored in a book shop, before coming to the realisation that my moonlighting as a Caricaturist, which had paid me in free tickets to the college Balls during University, could pay me in actual money (usually £100 an hour - very lucrative!) and support my art practice, which is what I did.
C.V. And Record Of Exhibitions
The list below provides a comprehensive record of the path that I followed from school age to progress my art practice. There was no career development offered at the time as part of the curriculum of my Fine Art degree. Instead I taught myself, working “hands on” to find my own direction, which has created challenges and an interesting, unorthodox life, affording me a rich and unique framework of authentic experience.
Gallery and Studio:
Orchard House, Bridgnorth Road, Stourton, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY75BJ
Open by appointment or on selected open days (visit my Events page for more details).
taniaholland@btopenworld.com 07879 452807
Social Media:
Instagram: @taniasgallery_poshpapermache @taniasgallery_paintings
https://www.facebook.com/TaniaHollandGallery
https://www.youtube.com/@TaniaHollandGallery
Education:
1992-1995 : BFA - Ruskin School of Fine Art and Drawing, Oxford University (2.1)
1991-1992: Foundation in Art - Mid-Cheshire College (Distinction)
1989-1991: A-Levels - Bishop’s High School, Chester
1987-1989: G.C.S.E.’s -Bishop’s High School, Chester
Residencies/Teaching:
1997 - 1998: Matthew Arnold School Staines Upon Thames, artist in residence and p/t classroom assistant, art department.
1998 - 2004: Spelthorne College, Ashford, Middlesex, artist in residence and p/t teacher of art subjects including GCSE, A Level, Adult Evening Classes and Life Drawing.
Other Experience:
2024 - Present: Member of the Worcestershire Guild of Contemporary Craft.
2008 - 2016: Tania Holland Gallery founded in Bridgnorth Town Centre, Shropshire. Relocated to The Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge 2016 - 2020. Permanent gallery space established at home address post Covid.
1994 - 2016: P/T Professional Caricaturist Entertainer (Live on the spot drawing at high end events).
Clients include:
British Telecom, Bentley Drivers Club, Eastgate Shopping Centre Basildon, The Bentall Centre Kingston Upon Thames, The Centre MK, Bedforshire Police Conference, Ellacots Chartered Accountants, Carswell Golf and Country Club, Oakham RFC, Kent County Council, Farnham Castle, Dorchester London, De Vere Swindon, Hilton Watford, Tower 42 London, De La Rue Surrey, Honda Romford, Shendish Manor Hemel Hempstead, The Belfry, Sopwell House Hotel St.Albans, The Hawthorns Essex, RAC Country Club Epsom, Penton Suzuki Salisbury, Bushey Metropolitan Police Hertfordshire, Castle Royal Golf Club Reading, Woodland View School Windsor, Leigh Park Hotel Bradford Upon Avon, Prestwold Hall Loughborough, Clarendon Hall Twickenham, The Solent Hotel Fareham, Rugby School, Thurrock Airfield Orsett, The Marwell Hotel Winchester, Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club, Lainston House Hotel Winchester, Royal Navy Gosport, Holiday Inn Maidenhead, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Manheim Auctions, Windsor Arts Centre, Tower Bridge London, London Aquarium, Natural History Museum, also including multiple weddings and private celebrations.
Notable celebrities captured in caricature: Paul Young, Sven Goran-Eriksson, Ivana and Ivanka Trump, David Bellamy, Jim Davidson, David Essex, Elija Wood, Johnny Ball.
Corporate Commissions:
Artwork design creating window vinyls for Cummins Euro Bus.
Bridgnorth “Catch Me Who Can” sculpture trail, locomotive design for Severn Valley Railway.
Eastgate Shopping Centre Basildon, two large scale murals.
Corporate Art Workshops and Teambuilding:
Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
RAC Country Club, Epsom, Surrey
Benton Park, Essex
Old Barn Hall, Leatherhead
Laindon Showhomes, Essex
Kent Adult Social Services
Eastgate Centre, Basildon
Farnham Library, Surrey
Windsor Boys School Arts Week
Windsor and Eton Town Partnership
The Centre MK
Westgate Centre, Stevenage
Exhibitions, Independent Retailers and Galleries:
Nov/Dec ‘25 MAC Birmingham Christmas Craft Market
Dec ‘25 Worcester Art Gallery Christmas Fair
Nov ‘25 Gorgeous, Ironbridge (A Shropshire Guild Event)
Nov ‘25 Thingummys, Chester
Oct ‘25 Craftworks at Elmslie House, with Worcestershire Guild
Oct ‘25 Worcester Art Gallery Autumn Fair
Sept’ 25’ Malvern Autumn Show with Worcestershire Guild
June ‘25 Bridgnorth Open House Arts Trail
May - Aug ‘25 Kinver Market (supporting local businesses)
May ‘25 RHS Malvern Spring Show with Worcestershire Guild
May ‘25 Virtual Vintage Co. Bishop Auckland
May ‘25 Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno
March ‘25 Verandah, Holt
March ‘25 Art At Little Blue Budgie, Totnes
Feb ‘25 Brightwater Gallery, Alnwick
Feb ‘25 Nutshell Homewares and Lifestyle, Bridge of Allan
Feb ‘25 Weem Gallery and Framer, Pittenweem
Feb ‘25 The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sept '24 Fuzzypeg Folk, Online Shop
Sept '24 The Boathouse Gallery, Tintern
Sept '24 Malvern Autumn Show/Worcester Guild
Aug' 24 Walrus Ceramics, Norwich
June '24 Nook Gallery, King's Heath, Birmingham
May ‘24 RHS Malvern Spring Show with Worcestershire Guild
May '24 Strange & Co. Rhos on Sea
Feb ‘24 Pot Buoys Gallery, Isles of Scilly
Jan '24 Dovecot Gallery, Doncaster
July '23 The Braemar Gallery Ballater
June '23 Gallery 13, Newport on Tay
Jan' Platform Gallery, Clitheroe
Nov' 22 Simply Christmas, Birmingham NEC
Sept' 22 Autumn Fair, Malvern Showground
Aug' 22 Henley Country Crafts, Henley on Thames
July' 22 Commonwealth Games Event, Birmingham
April '22 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate
Dec' 21 MAC Birmingham, Christmas Fair
Dec ‘21 Crafted for You, Worcester Museum & Art Gallery
Aug' '21 Henley Country Crafts, Henley on Thames
Aug ‘21Polkadot Lane, Slaithwaite
Apr' '20 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate
Apr ‘20 Smart Gallery, Leeds
Apr ‘20 Sally Bee, Southport
Apr ‘20 Wink at One, Guernsey
Apr ‘20 Alex Clarke, Corbridge
Dec '19 MAC Birmingham Christmas Market
Dec ‘19 Crafted for You, Worcester Museum & Art Gallery
Apr '18 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate
Apr ‘18 Gallery Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Apr ‘18 Tallantyre, Morpeth
Apr ‘18 Ragleth Gallery, Church Stretton
Apr ‘18 No 10. Gallery, Rochdale
Apr ‘18 20-21 Visual Arts Centre,
Apr ‘18 Gower Gallery, Swansea
Apr ‘18 Moreton Gallery, Moreton in Marsh
Apr ‘18 Artenax, Exeter
Apr ‘18 McGillan & Woodell, Ramsgate
Apr ‘18 Moth, Barnard Castle
Apr ‘18 Blossom Street Gallery, York
Apr ‘18 Fitch & Fellows, Thame
Apr ‘18 Gallery 33, Sheffield
Apr ‘18 Lovatt Gallery, Jedburgh
Apr ‘18 Maisie & Mac, Cupar
Apr ‘18 May's Parlour, Whaley Bridge
Apr ‘18 The Ruskin Museum, Cumbria
Apr ‘18 The Shop at the Station, Richmond
Apr ‘18 Yarmouth Gallery, Isle of Wight
June '18 Bridgnorth Town Twinning collage for Schrobenhausen
Apr' 18 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate.
May '17 Baxters Gallery, Dartmouth
Oct '17 Alphabet Soup, Great Missenden.
Oct ‘17 The Velvet Easel Gallery, Edinburgh.
Oct ‘17 The Art Nest, Hitchin.
Oct ‘17 The Guinness Gallery, Dublin.
Sept '16 British Craft Trade Fair, London.
July '16 Big Art Show, Shrewsbury.
March '16 Stoneway Gallery, Bridgnorth.
Dec '15 Castle Tea Rooms, Bridgnorth.
Aug '15 Jinney Ring, Bromsgrove.
July '15 The Big Art Show, Shrewsbury.
Jun/Jul '15 Fresh Air Sculpture Show, Gloucestershire.
Jan '15 Cupola Gallery Under the Bed Sale.
Aug '14 Jinney Ring, Bromsgrove.
July '14 The Big Art Show, Shrewsbury.
April & July '14 Enjoy Art Staffordshire
June '14 Crafted Merchant, Loch Lomond.
April '14 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate.
Jan '14 The Dotty Dog Gallery, Shrewsbury.
Dec '14 MAC Birmingham Christmas Craft Market
June '13 MIMA Middlesborough.
June '13 Shire Hall Gallery, Staffordshire.
April ‘13 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate.
Nov ‘12 Cupola Gallery, Sheffield.
Oct ‘12 City Art Gallery, Leeds.
Oct‘12 The Green Gallery, Sitrlingshire.
Sept ’12 Jinney Ring, Bromsgrove.
Aug ‘12 Bridgnorth Arts Festival, Shropshire.
July ‘12 Art Room 59, Dunfirmline.
July ‘12 The Bowery, Leeds.
June ‘12 Sky Blue Red Gallery, Guisborough.
May ‘12 The Found Gallery, Dunbar.
April ‘12 British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate.
Aug ‘10/’11 Bridgnorth Arts Festival, Shropshire.
June ’11 Fresh Air, Gloucestershire.
Jan ’10 Willow Art Gallery, Oswestry.
July ’09 RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.
Jun ’09 Outside Art, Russells Quarry & Avondale Gardens, Coventry.
Apr ’09 The Odney Club, Cookham, Berkshire with Barn Galleries.
Mar ’09 Fresh Air, Gloucestershire.
Nov’08 - Present Tania Holland Gallery, Bridgnorth (founded).
Aug ’08 The House Gallery, Olney, Buckinghamshire.
July ’08 RHS Tatton Park Flower Show (By invitation).
July ’08 Surrey Sculpture Society, RHS Loseley Park, Surrey.
June ’08 Buckinghamshire Artists Open Studios.
June ’08 North Farm Gallery, St. Martins, Isles of Scilly.
May – Oct ’08 Underground Art and Design, Hillier Gardens, Hampshire.
May ’08 Battersea Art Fair, London.
Apr/Jun/Sept’08 The Sculpture Show, Gloucestershire, Cheshire and Kent.
April ’08 Artshed Gallery, Ware, Hertfordshire.
April ’ 08 The Beetroot Tree Gallery, Draycott, Derbyshire.
March ’08 Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London.
March ’08 Windsor Street Gallery, Chertsey Surrey.
March ’08 Women’s Art Show, Fairfields Arts Centre, Basingstoke.
Dec ’07 Windsor Street Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Surrey.
Nov ’07 Windsor Street Gallery, Chertsey, Surrey.
Aug ’07 The Upmarket, Brick Lane, London.
Jun ’07 Artspace, Barn Galleries, Henley, Oxfordshire.
Mar ’07 Concrete to Canvas, Windsor Arts Centre, Windsor, Berkshire.
Sept ’05 Angel Art Arcade, Islington, London.
Apr ’05 Mixed Abstracts, Karen Taylor Gallery, Twickenham, London.
Mar ’05 Morgan Stanley Gallery, Canary Wharf, London.
Feb ’05 Floral, Karen Taylor Gallery, Twickenham, London.
Oct ’04 Art on the Hill, Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, London.
Apr ’04 Pop, Jelly Leg’d Chicken Gallery, Reading.
Mar ’04 Blue Wing Gallery, Padstow, Cornwall.
Dec ’03 Christmas Exhibition, Blue Wing Gallery, Kew, London.
Nov ’03 Battersea Art Fair, London.
Aug ’03 Plant Life/Nature, Blue Wing Gallery, Kew, London.
July ’03 Fresh Art Fair, Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
June ’03 Diesel House Studios Summer Open, Kew, London.
June ’03 Planted & Garden Sculpture, Karen Taylor Gallery, London.
Apr ’03 Inspirations Contemporary Art Gallery, Greenwich, London.
Jan ’03 Three Artists, Waterloo Gallery, Waterloo, London.
Nov ’02 Twelve Bar Club, Soho, London.
Oct ‘02 The Elements, Luscious Conceptions Gallery, Windsor.
Oct ’02 Art on the Hill, Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, London.
Sept ’02 Luscious Conceptions Gallery, Windsor.
July ‘02 Fresh Art Fair, Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
May/June ‘02 Big Bloomers, The Beetroot Tree Gallery, Derbyshire.
March ’02 Rez’s, Covent Garden, London.
June '97 - ‘04 Artist in Residence, P/T tutor Matthew Arnold School, Staines and Spelthorne College Ashford, Middlesex.
June '95 Self employed artist and p/t caricaturist entertainer (London area).
June ‘95 Ruskin Degree Show, Ruskin School of Drawing, Oxford.
June ’89 Cheshire in Italy, Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol.
