Hillsigns by David Holt (1966)

A superb large original abstract expressionist painting

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

Painted in 1966, this is an oil on board, framed (but not glazed). The frame measures 53 × 94cm, and the frame has a width of about 2cm.

This is a work of abstract expressionism combining a hilly landscape and the road signs surrounding it. It is predominantly in orange, white and yellow, with a background of the dark green of trees and with a building on the horizon. A visually impressive painting.

Signed and dated lower right to the canvas, titled to the reverse.

David Holt (1928–2014). Born in Hythe, Kent. Painter and Lecturer in Art. After National Service, he trained at the Canterbury School of Art, the Hammersmith School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools where he was awarded a medal for drawing and the Knapping Prize. He joined a studio-workshop with Gerald Holtom (designer of the CND symbol) in 1958 where he designed and produced proscenium curtains for schools. In 1958 he was awarded a Harkness Fellowship and travelled across America, producing many drawings and prints of the Pueblo Indians and their life-dance in Santa Fe in New Mexico, where he also worked with artist Agnes Sims. He returned to England in 1960 and continued to paint and work on large textile appliques for schools, churches, and private houses including Spade House in Kent, the former home of H G Wells.

He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1962, and in 1964 was commissioned to design and make a large textile applique 'Christ in Majesty' which still hangs in the chapel of Christ Church College in Canterbury.

He was Head of Art at Canterbury Christ Church University until his retirement in 1995. He exhibited widely in the UK and the States and worked with many art societies and summer schools across East Kent.

His work can be found in both private and public collections throughout the UK and America, including the Yale Centre for British Art. His painting "Coastal Watcher" was recently used for the dustwrapper on Modernism and Memory: Rhoda Pritzker and the Art of Collecting (Yale University Press, 2016).

Condition

The painting is in good condition for age, some light surface wear but with distinct brush marks. The frame is good, but with some chipping and wear, especially to the right hand horizontal. However, it remains a wonderful original 1960s painting.

Due to weight and size, postage is restricted to the UK though I am happy to investigate overseas mailing. Collection is available from Hythe (CT21), though please allow at least 24 hrs notice. [Location: Store].

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