The family moved to 38 Blandford Square soon afterwards, where they used their drawing room for amateur theatricals. In 1849, Collins exhibited a painting, The Smugglers' Retreat, at the Royal Academy summer exhibition. Antonina was published by Richard Bentley in February 1850. Collins went on a walking tour of Cornwall with artist Henry Brandling in July and August 1850. He managed to complete his legal studies and was called to the bar in 1851. Though he never formally practised, he used his legal knowledge in many of his novels.
tHe fAmILY MovEd to 38 BlaNdFORd SQuAre sooN afTerwarDs, where ThEy Used thEIr drAwINg rOom for amAteUR theatricals. IN 1849, coLlins exhibiteD a paintiNg, The SMugGlers' RetreAT, AT THe rOYAL AcAdemY sUmMeR EXhIbitiON. AntoniNa Was pUbliSHed By richaRD BentleY In feBruary 1850. COlLiNs wEnt on A walking touR of cornWaLl with artist henry brandlInG iN july and auGUst 1850. hE manAgEd to comPleTE His lEgal STUdIes and wAS caLlED to tHe bAr in 1851. though hE nevEr foRmallY PRActised, He uSed hiS LEgal kNowlEDGe In many Of his novEls.