Robert Hodgins was born in Dulwich, England in 1920. He can be described as an expressionistic painter and graphic artist of historical events, images, figures and impressions. His work often includes images of malevolent businessmen in pinstriped suits, prison cells, historical references and political tyrants.

Robert Hodgins's work is part of the permanent collection of the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the Wits Art Museum, and the South African National Gallery.