November the Fifth by David Holt (2004)
An original painting of Bonfire Night fireworks
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in 2004, this is an original oil on canvas, unframed, and measuring 76 × 76cm.
Signed, titled and dated by David Holt to the reverse.
A delightfully lively and atmospheric work by David Holt, 'November the Fifth' captures the fleeting magic and drama of Bonfire Night. The foreground features three garden fireworks mounted on posts against a lush backdrop of deep evening greens and warm, ember-toned ochres. A single central rocket shoots skyward in a vivid streak of white light, bursting into a delicate canopy of pink and fiery sparks across the twilight sky. David's expressive brushwork and rich impasto build a wonderful sense of movement and warmth, perfectly capturing the crackle, nostalgia, and childlike delight of a crisp autumn evening celebration.
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 this painting remains an attractive piece, there is a linear tear to the canvas of 9cm and mark following on from this for a further 10cms, starting 4cm in from the left hand side, and about 33cm from the bottom. It could be easily stabilised with some canvas backing. Otherwise the painting remains a bright and lively piece.
I am happy to post overseas but please email first so we can find the most competitive rates. Collection is available from Hythe (CT21) but please allow 24 hrs notice.[Location: Store]
As of July 2026, books remain duty-free. The price of the book incurs no extra US import fees.
Price
£70.00
