Peter Slater (c.1809 - ?) was born in Edinburgh, the son of John Slater, a marble and stone cutter in Picardy Place. Sometime between 1823 and 1828 he entered the Edinburgh studio of Samuel Joseph (who was responsible for two of the busts in the College's collection) as a carver and assistant. In 1829 he moved to London with Joseph and continued to work for him for the subsequent four years. In 1831 he was accepted into the Royal Academy schools where he remained for around two years. From 1833-1860 Slater resided in Edinburgh, after which he returned to London.
From 1833-1865 he exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy and from 1846-1870 he exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. His exhibition pieces were predominantly the busts of Scottish worthies. Slater also executed the College's bust of Joshua Henry Davidson.