James Holloway

James Essex Holloway CBE (born 1948) is a British art historian who was the director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery from 1997 until 2012.

Education and personal life Holloway was born in Westminster in 1948 and educated at the Courtauld Institute (University of London).

Holloway enjoys motorcycles and plays the French horn.

Career

Early career In 1972, Holloway became a research assistant at the National Gallery of Scotland. Following this, Holloway became Assistant Keeper at the National Museum of Wales in 1980. Holloway then joined the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 1983 as a Deputy Keeper.

Directorship of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery In 1997, Holloway was appointed as Director of the Museum. While Holloway was director, a successful campaign to raise funds to secure the Diana and Actaeon painting for the nation was undertaken. In an article with the Scotsman at the time of his retirement, it was reported "the purchase of an Allan Ramsay portrait of philosopher David Hume is among his fondest memories". Holloway is also a trustee of the Fleming Wyfold Foundation and of the Historic Scotland Foundation.

Honours Holloway was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours.