[1][2] Robert Holmes, born in Cannington, Ontario developed his skill in drawing as a youngster but his father, a blacksmith with six children, wanted him to become a doctor or teacher with a more secure means of a livelihood.

[1] Upon graduation, he took up designing in fabrics and interior decorating and to further these branches of study he attended the Royal College of Art[3] in South Kensington in London, England with A.B.

[1] When he returned to Canada, he taught art in various schools in Ontario and finally settled as resident master and teacher of drawing at Upper Canada College (then King Street), Toronto, where he taught for thirty years and became a good friend of Stephen Leacock who was also a resident master.

[1] During his career he was active with many groups and societies including: the Toronto Art Students' League (1890 - Pres.

[8] His watercolour paintings (more than 30 in number)[6] were purchased by the Art Gallery of Toronto from his estate by subscription.

[10] A stone plaque to his memory is today located in the Guild Park in Scarborough, Ontario.