Sir John Hurt Exhibition to Appear at Holt Festival

You know Sir John Hurt best as the beloved Mr. Ollivander, but the award-winning actor had a hidden talent beyond wandmaking. Hurt was also a talented artist, producing many beautiful works of art throughout his life. Now you have a chance to see some of those paintings in the flesh at the Holt Festival in Norfolk!

Over a year after his death, Hurt’s wife, Anwen, has loaned the festival several of his paintings as a part of an exhibition she has curated. Hurt has been an artist his entire life, she says, attending the prestigious St. Martin’s school on an art scholarship, and took his art as seriously as he did his acting career:

He could clearly have made his living as an artist. People should see them because they are really good, not because they are by John Hurt.

The town of Holt is well known as a thriving artist community, where small businesses and artisans gather to hone their craft. During festival week, it booms with filmmakers, performers, artists, and other creators for a celebration of independent art. This year’s festival will also include several screenings of longtime Norfolk resident Hurt’s favorite films, including The Hit, The Field, and Love & Death on Long Island. Also, keep an eye out for the awarding of the Sir John Hurt art prize, which goes to a different talented artist like Hurt himself every year!

The Holt Festival begins Saturday, July 21. You only have until next Saturday, July 29, to get a look at these wonderful paintings, so make sure to make the trip to Norfolk for a week of beautiful art!