Marh Holt's history lesson

Figtree had the pleasure of having Mark Holt talk to us about his work yesterday.

Holt has been a seminal figure in the world of graphic design since the early eighties.
His work has not only helped define the visual landscape of the last 3 decades but has been a personal influence on many of us.

He talked us through a historical journey with many twists and turns. Training in Newcastle, working in a small studio in San Francisco, his work with Tony Wilson and Factory records, Forming 8vo, arguably one of the most influential graphic design studios of the late 80's, and bringing us up to date with his current projects for Nokia and ZC. His talk was part history lesson and part philosophical look at our role in the world of visual communication.

Holt and his contemporaries Hamish Muir, Simon Johnstone, Peter Saville, Malcom Garrett, Ian Cartlidge, and Neville Brody, shaped the industry that we now work in. Taking influence from the Dutch and Swiss schools of thought their work paved the way to making the UK the centre of excellence it is today.

We live in different times now but Mark Holts spirit of invention, self promotion, questioning, craft, and technical experimentation are as valid now as they ever were.

Hector Pottie