Screened Bridge by David Holt (1964)
A fine, large oil painting, framed, featuring a solitary, watching figure.
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in October 1964, this is a very large oil on board, framed (but not glazed). The frame measures 126 × 79cm, with a depth of 5cm. Signed and dated lower right, with David's pencil titling and signature to the back of the frame.
The painted has been titled twice by David, it is "Screened Bridge" in pencil to the rear, and a small exhibition label to the frame calls it "The Grove Bridge". It is a masterful painting, and one of a series that David painted in the 1960s, all featuring a lone hatted figure (known as The Watcher) in a coastal landscape, the setting being the south coast of Kent, with its natural landscape sitting alongside the manmade.
Another painting from this series (Coastal Watcher, 1963) is currently held by the Yale Center for British Art and was exhibited in their 2016 exhibition 'Modernism and Memory: Rhoda Pritzker and the Art of Collecting', as well as being used as the dustwrapper illustration for the accompanying book.
Provenance: This painting comes directly from the artist's estate, and the work is offered with full provenance.
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
Whilst the overall impression of the painting is good, there are some age-related marks and light scuffs to the artwork, including some small rust marks where the board has been affixed to the frame. The frame also carries some knocks and chips but remains solid.
Due to weight and size, postage is restricted to the UK though I am happy to investigate overseas mailing. Collection is available from Hythe, Kent (CT21), or delivery by us if local. Please give at least 24 hours notice. [Location: Store].
Books are currently zero-rated for duty, so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£300.00
