Comments on: Rodney Holt, Designer & Set Builder https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/ In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London Thu, 13 Dec 2018 04:00:25 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Robin Call https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1245262 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 04:00:25 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1245262 I saw his finished work in F.&M.’s windows. Brilliant! Much ,much nicer than Selfridge’s ,Harrod’s and Liberty’s this year.

]]> By: Tracy James https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1237113 Sat, 10 Nov 2018 18:21:48 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1237113 Rod is a man of few words; I had no idea of his family roots. Loved working on Fortnum and Masons windows with the team. Always felt appreciated and proud of the windows. When’s the book coming out with pictures of all the amazing windows from over the years, Rod? Tracy James (formerly Usher)

]]> By: Jennifer Newbold https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1237100 Sat, 10 Nov 2018 15:23:55 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1237100 I always thought it would be great fun to do that, window dressing! In New York, though it was highly competitive. I suppose the same is true of London. Kudos, Mr Holt!

]]> By: Sarah Webb https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1237007 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:49:41 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1237007 How fascinating to read Rod’s story! My dear friend Maggie Harrold was a display artist who worked with Rod on the Selfridges and Fortnum windows and the London Dungeon during those heady days in the 70s & 80s.

All those talented people who give such pleasure generally remain anonymous, beyond their immediate colleagues, so Maggie would be thrilled that Rod has been showcased in this delightful series of Spitalfields life.

On her behalf I thank you, Gentle Author

]]> By: Gary Arber https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236807 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:52:05 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236807 There used to be a factory in Bow called Burt Bros (Bow) Ltd.
They used to make scenery for the big London stage productions, they also made the Christmas decorations that were used in the West End streets.
Gary

]]> By: Jean Rossisp https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236776 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:08:22 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236776 Oooooh!! I have envy!!! My Anglo Irish Catholic/Franco Prussian Jewish family originated Spitalfields and Shadwell and Limehouse! We were cleared/scattered to various locations outside London after WW2. I am now in Billericay. As a child in the 1950s I was taken to Selfridges at Christmas to see Father Christmas – the windows have always been a part of London culture through the 60s and now. They are, along with those of Fortnum and Mason are still stunning and worth a special trip. How lovely to have enjoyed such a special life. I have “art envy”!!!

]]> By: Barbara Hague https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236767 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:51:52 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236767 Looks as if he is fun. Interesting life – hope he put the bike back after “borrowing” it – sort of!

]]> By: Helen Breen https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236752 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:09:01 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236752 Greetings from Boston,

GA, great story! I am no shopper, but I always enjoy the window displays at Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges when I am in London. I never thought about the logistics of creating these sets. No wonder Rodney Holt and his crew need such a large space for their work.

]]> By: Di Corry https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236735 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 09:02:37 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236735 I’ve always loved those Fortnum and Mason Christmas window displays, it’s good to know who is behind that amazing creativity……and someone with East End roots too!
Thank you GA for sharing this story and thank you Rod for the Christmas magic, I’ll appreciate the craftsmanship of you and your team even more this year.

]]> By: Jill Wilson https://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/11/08/rod-holt-designer-set-builder-modelmaker/#comment-1236720 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 07:55:50 +0000 http://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=170173#comment-1236720 Yes – it looks like a great place to work!

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