Kenneth Holmes, 1902-1994

Kenneth Holmes was born in 1902 in Skipton, Yorkshire. He attended the Skipton School of Art, Leeds College of Art, and the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1927 with the Art Masters' Certificate, ARCA in Design, ARCA in Engraving, and a Teaching and School Management Certificate. Post qualification he spent some time travelling in Europe, winning the Prix de Rome in 1927 while visiting Italy.

On returning to England Holmes became a teacher of art at colleges in Croydon and Southwark, before moving to a post as Principal of Huddersfield Technical College from 1932 to 1934. In September 1934, aged only 32, he was appointed Principal of Leicester College of Art. During his time at the College Holmes fostered links with local and national businesses, attracting those at the forefront of contemporary design and manufacture. He developed innovative approaches to the teaching of art and design, and emphasised the importance of art in schools. In 1952 he co-authored a book on this subject with his colleague Hugh Collinson: Child Art Grows Up .

Holmes was a significant artist in his own right, specialising in etching but also experimenting with wood and line engraving, aquatint, mezzotint, drawing and watercolour. He had sixteen one-man shows in London and eleven works shown at the Royal Academy annual exhibition; as well as contributing to Leicester art shows.

After 22 years of service Holmes retired in 1956 and moved to Cornwall to continue practicing his art. He died in September 1994 aged 92. A Hall of Residence at De Montfort University is named in his honour.

From the guide to the Lectures and articles by Kenneth Holmes, 1935 - 1956, (De Montfort University Archives and Special Collections)