The 1881 census recorded David Collins, porter in the furniture trade at 4 Amoy Street. In 1884 the Southampton trade directory listed 'J' Collins, Photographer, at 4 Amoy Street. However the street listings in the same directory recorded David Collins, Artist, at the same address. 'J' appears to have been a type setting mistake, and the photographer at 4 Amoy St was David Collins.
Steven's Directory 1884
By 1887 Collins' working life had changed direction and his occupation was recorded as clerk. The census records for 1891, 1901 and 1911 listed Collins' occupation as a military supplier. David Collins died in Southampton in 1927.