Drawn to Life … is a book that brings together a selection of art works by Leslie Holland. Born in Ealing but made a life in Purton. With a spell in Paraguay on the way to Wiltshire.
The compilers of the book are Leslie’s son Matt Holland (of Swindon Festival of Literature fame). But aided and abetted by his siblings Ruth, John and Andreas.
The front cover of Drawn to Life … a collection of works by Leslie Holland. It shows a cover that Leslie designed for Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World.
It’s a lovely book with lots to enjoy in it. There’s Leslie’s artworks, yes. But also some story of his life – and quite a life he had. One which, I’ll venture to suggest, informed the Lower Shaw Farm life of one of his sons, Matt Holland.
A pleasing inclusion
When I began taking an interest in public art and murals and so on I heard of a mural, painted by Leslie Holland. It once had existed in Old Town, on a wall left when Old Town’s station met the wrecking ball. But sadly long gone by the time I heard of it. Thus I’m delighted to see that the book contains images of Leslie’s sketches for this mural.
At £10 this book’s price point is good for a stocking filler for anyone in your life with an interest in art and in life. His own life and other people’s reflected in his art.
Currently the only way to get hold of a copy is to email Matt Holland here: matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk
I don’t doubt that Matt would love to hear from you.
Incidentally, Old Shaw Lane is one of the streets featured in my forthcoming production, Swindon in 25 Streets. And with that, Lower Shaw Farm gets a wee mention. This is the blog post – there’ll be a book early next year. Watch this space. #JustSaying
