Mirror in the Studio by David Holt (2001)
An original abstract expressionist oil painting in bespoke frame
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in 2001, this is an oil on canvas in a bespoke wooden frame (it is not glazed). The frame has been coloured green the fore-edge by the artist, and a light grey wash to the inner frame. The frame measures 74 × 58.5cm, with the painting measuring 56 × 41cm.
Signed, titled and dated by David Holt to the reverse.
This painting is a work of abstract impressionism. In Mirror in the Studio, the juxtaposition of sharp angular structures and fluid, organic fields of colour visually evokes the fragmented nature of the creative mind. The artwork partitions space into fractured planes—where architectural forms and shadow-like figures intersect across a vivid green backdrop—mirroring how disparate thoughts, memories, and inspirations exist simultaneously within an artist's psyche. Rather than offering a cohesive, singular perspective, the composition reflects the mind as a studio of split reflections, where internal geometry meets external chaos, and distinct ideas compete for clarity within a shared canvas.
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 very good condition, the frame has some light bumping and marking, and with some light surface spotted watermarks but the overall impression remains that of 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: DH/B3].
As of July 2026, books remain duty-free. The price of the book incurs no extra US import fees.
Price
£140.00
