William Collins, a individual with a rich familial background, was born on November 11th at 11 New Cavendish Street, a prestigious location in the heart of Marylebone, London. His parents, William Collins and Harriet Geddes, were both influential figures in the art world, with his father being a renowned Royal Academician landscape painter. As a result, Collins was destined to follow in his father's footsteps.
Named after his father, Collins was given a middle name, Wilkie, in recognition of his godfather, the celebrated painter David Wilkie. This naming convention not only acknowledged the significant influence of his godfather on his life but also served as a testament to the strong family ties that existed between Collins and his godfather.
As the son of a prominent artist, Collins was exposed to the world of art from a young age. Growing up, he was surrounded by the beauty and elegance of his father's paintings, which no doubt had a profound impact on his own artistic development. This early exposure to the world of art would later shape his own creative vision and inform his artistic style.
With his family's rich artistic heritage and his own natural talent, Collins was poised to make a significant impact on the art world. Throughout his life, he would continue to draw inspiration from his family's legacy, incorporating elements of his father's style into his own unique artistic vision.