Chalk Quarry by David Holt (1982)
A large original oil painting in the style of the British Neo-Romantic tradition
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in July 1982, this is an original oil painting on canvas. It is framed but not glazed. The frame measures 82.5 × 67cm and the painting is 75 × 60cm.
This painting bridges the gap between representational landscape and pure abstraction. David's painting of the chalk quarry is more focused on the rhythmic, skeletal structure of the earth once it has been carved open.
The dark, brooding atmosphere and the focus on the "bones of the land" echo the mid-century British Neo-Romantic tradition (such as Graham Sutherland, John Craxton or John Piper). David captures the specific spirit of the place of the English landscape—specifically the chalk downs—which can feel both ancient and strangely modern when excavated.
Signed and dated lower right and titled to the reverse.
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
The painting is in good plus condition, some craquelure and light marking to the canvas but the overall impression remains impressive. The frame also has light marking on close inspection but is otherwise good.
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). Please give at least 24 hours notice. [Location: R3].
Books are currently zero-rated for duty (as of January 2026), so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£180.00
