(1815 - 1884)
Francis Holl was born in Camden Town, London, and became a successful and prolific engraver, sometimes collaborating with his engraver brother William. For 25 years he was engraver to Queen Victoria, receiving numerous private commissions from her for portraits of the royal family. He also engraved plates after works by contemporary artists, including Frith’s ‘The Railway Station’ (1862). He exhibited 20 engravings at the Royal Academy (1856-83) and was elected an associate in 1883. He was an amateur actor and a member of the Histrionics, who played at St James's Theatre. In 1841 he married Alicia, with whom he had four children. The family lived in Gloucester Road, Regent's Park, until 1879 when Holl retired to Surrey. He died aged 68.
