Sir Thomas Holland
1
Photograph © The University of Edinburgh
Artist | Stanley Cursiter (Scottish b.1887, d.1976) |
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Title | Sir Thomas Holland |
Description | Sir Thomas is portrayed in Vice-Chancellor's robes with LL.D. hood and wearing the insignia of his orders. His right hand clasps on the arm of a leather armchair and his left clasps his cap. Behind his left arm is a table on which lie a scroll, a book and the University mace. Signed and dated in the left hand corner. A second portrait by the same artist (EU0538) was presented to Sir Thomas. Holland was born at Helston, Cornwall, of Canadian parentage, and studied at the Royal College of Mines and the Royal College of Science, where he obtained a first-class associateship with Honours in Geology. Appointed Professor of Geology in the University of Calcutta in 1892, he was Director of the Geological Survey of India from 1903 to 1909, returning to England in the latter year on his appointment to the Professorship of Geology at Manchester. From 1918 to 1922 he again served in India, first as President of the Indian Munitions Board, then as member of the Viceroy's Executive Council. Elected Rector of the Imperial College of Science and Technology in 1922, he retained this post till 1929, the year of his appointment to the Principalship of the University of Edinburgh. On reaching the statutory age limit he retired from the Principalship in 1944. [...] His expert and extensive knowledge rendered his services of the utmost value to many government departments, imperial, colonial and foreign. When nearly 70 years of age he undertook a laborious and hazardous aerial survey of Mesopotamian oil-fields. Till the end of his long life his services were eagerly sought and freely given. |
Material | oil paint (paint)/paint (coating); canvas (textile material)/textile materials/materials (substances) |
Collection | Art Collection |
Classification | academics (people); University History; paintings 1901-2000; portrait; University History |
Accession Number | EU0097 |