8 Becomes Free by David Holt (1976)
An original semi-abstract oil painting inspired by the numbers at Hythe Ranges
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in 1976, this is an original oil on board in a simple wooden frame. The frame measures 57.5 × 69cm, and the frame has a width of 0.5cm.
A fascinating and highly structured piece. Blending abstract geometry with a very specific sense of place—the flat, seaside military landscape of the Hythe Ranges—the numbers in the painting based on the firing range numbers of the ranges. The number 8 has disintegrated to one side, thus becoming both free and three. The palette is coastal and military in colour, the texture slightly distressed echoing the scene, with some stippling to suggest the shingle landscape of this part of the Kent coast.
Signed and dated lower right (vertically), and titled to the reverse in pencil.
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
This painting is in good condition but there are some abrasions to the front and light wear to the frame. The rear of the board has some age-related marking and the board has a slight warp (this could be easily straightened with struts) but the whole thing remains an impressive piece.
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].
As of July 2026, books remain duty-free. The price of the book incurs no extra US import fees.
Price
£70.00
