A magnificent new book of Harry Holland’s stunning drawings (Harry Holland Drawings) will be published this month by Bird Eye books, an imprint of Graffeg. Harry Holland is widely celebrated as one of Britain’s finest figurative artists. Born in Glasgow in 1941, he trained at St. Martin’s School of Art from 1965-1969 –having his first solo exhibition there in ‘69. His work appears in a wide range of public collections including the Tate Gallery, London, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, British Museum, London, Heineken Collection, Amsterdam, National Portrait Gallery, Canada, and the Senate of the Italian Republic, Rome. 

The first book on the work of Harry Holland to appear since 1991, this volume includes a large number of works undertaken in the intervening period and is dedicated specifically to his drawings, a foundational element of his major works and themes.

This large format hardback allows for the best appreciation of the detail and variety of the artworks. The inclusion of a substantial essay by Harry as well as sketchbook pages provides a unique insight into the practice of a leading UK artist.

Harry Holland, now 83, moved to Cardiff in 1973 where he lives and works. Using classical techniques to realise his contemporary figurative work, Holland incorporates motifs such as mythology and pathos to imbue his work with an enigmatic timelessness. The storytelling element in his work makes the narrative personal to the observer. His work explores universal truths that are often hard to articulate, yet are resonant to the human experience.

Through a lifetime of dedication to his craft, he has established himself as a leading influence in academic art as well as modern fine art.

The book includes a foreword by fellow artist and long-time friend, John MacFarlane, and valuable insights from the artist himself about his drawing and painting process.

Harry Holland Website

‘Harry Holland is an artist who seems to contradict most of the preconceptions we currently bring to contemporary art.’ Edward Lucie-Smith

‘In the nature and quality of his personal vision he stands quite alone.’ William Packer

‘He likes to go behind the semblance of things and ask questions that never have answers.’ Anita Nardon