Though best known today as a painter of still lifes, portraits and landscapes, William Nicholson (1872–1949) started out as a graphic designer. In his early twenties he struck up a partnership with his brother-in-law, James Pryde, and, under the moniker ‘Beggarstaff’, the duo made posters for stage productions including Hamlet and Cinderella, their bold approach to colour and use of simple graphic forms going on to influence many of their contemporaries at the turn of the 20th century. These works make up part of this exhibition, which spans the breadth of Nicholson’s career and does justice to the range of his talents (22 November–10 May 2026). The curators have designed the show to give us a sense of Nicholson the man – his interests (including fashion and costume), his standing in society (he taught Winston Churchill for a time) and his relationships with his family. Nicholson’s rarely seen portrait of his young son Ben, who went on to be a major figure in the British avant-garde, is a highlight.
Find out more from Pallant House Gallery’s website.
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