“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” –  Clarence Budington Kelland

Since the mid 19th Century the Holder name has been synonymous with the arts and entertainment. Boscoe Holder was born in Trinidad in 1921 and by the age of 7 was recognised for his musical and artistic talents. In his twenties he began touring Europe with his music and dance troupes while exhibiting his work in galleries across the world. Christian Holder, who was born in Trinidad and raised in London, enjoyed a successful 13-year career with the Joffrey Ballet in New York. He swiftly became the lead dancer. Christian spent several years designing the stage wardrobe for Tina Turner and then went on to exhibit many of his designs and paintings in London. Both Boscoe and Christian have unmistakably proven that their ability to create both musically and artistically knows no bounds and through various forms of expression they have consistently contributed to the global artistic community.

This joint exhibition between Christian and his late father provides us the opportunity to delve Into the minds of both father and son. The exhibition will include some of Boscoe Holder’s last unseen works, including a selection of drawings that have never been sold or exhibited.  A wide selection of Christian’s newest works, which comprise of memorable scenes from his time in Trinidad, will also be on display.

Boscoe’s final unseen pieces of art collectively tell a story about this brilliant man and highlight his gift. His artistic style beautifully captures the physical appearance of his subject but also tells the story of their character. This can be seen in Boscoe’s painting of Michael Peters a Tony award winning choreographer who worked on many of Michael Jackson’s music videos like ‘Thriller’. Some of the drawings date back to World War Two when Boscoe and his dance group would perform at the US military base in Chaguaramas, Trinidad. Here many of the sailors commissioned portraits of themselves to send home to their loved ones.

Although Christian was heavily influenced by his father’s own career and passions,  his own creative journey and the product are pleasantly different. Christian’s work depicts landscapes of his origins Trinidad and subjects that inspire creativity. Despite the fact the subject of Christian’s paintings change there is a theme of eerie calmness throughout his work which immediately captures your attention. His use of colour and his ability to play with light ensures that any scene portrayed is full of intensity and drama.

Campbells of London are delighted to host the ‘Père et fils’ exhibition to showcase some of Boscoe’s final unseen pieces and Christian’s most recent work. Both father and son have collaborated musically and artistically so combining their work to showcase feels natural and also  provides the chance to explore the creativity and style of this talented duo. The exhibition will begin in the spring of 2020 post COVID-19.