Painter, printmaker, teacher and writer, born in Selly Oak, Birmingham, married to the artist Philippa Hoyland and father of the painter John Hoyland. Francis’ art master at The Downs School, Colwall, was Maurice Feild, then he attended St George’s School, Harpenden. Studied painting at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, 1946–9; Slade School of Fine Art, 1949–50; in 1951 an Abbey Minor Scholarship taking him to Italy. Was a conscientious objector to military service, 1952–4. Taught at West of England College of Art in Bristol, 1954–9; Chelsea School of Art, 1960–6; Camberwell, 1966–92; part-time at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Comprehensive School, from 1992; and for The Prince’s Foundation, 2000. His publications include Painting, 1966, and Alive to Paint and A Painter’s Diary, both 1967.