The Red Bush / Studio Window by David Holt (2006)
An original oil on canvas. two cloaked figures embracing
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Painted in 2005, this is an unframed oil painting on canvas. It measures 50.5 × 50.5cm.
Signed, titled and dated by David Holt to the reverse.
Here David Holt constructs a striking visual contrast between two hooded figures—one draped in deep black, the other in soft, glowing white—standing closely together in profile against a vibrant backdrop. Framed within a heavy, reddish border, they face a lattice-paned window that reveals a dense tapestry of saturated red foliage and bright green background tones. Above their heads, fine outlines of empty wire hangers float against the interior space, adding a subtle, surreal note of domesticity to an otherwise enigmatic, ritualistic encounter.
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 very good condition.
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
£60.00
