Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (1872-1949) was one of the most distinctive British artists in his day and a highly regarded painter and portraitist.
Spanning Nicholson’s entire career, which extended from the late Victorian era through to the Second World War, this landmark exhibition reveals his versatility and the breadth of his artistic talent – from world-renowned still lifes, insightful portraits and evocative landscapes to his poster designs and playful book illustrations. Highlights include the bold posters he and his brother-in-law produced under the pseudonym “Beggarstaff”, his celebrated woodcuts from An Alphabet (1898), original illustrations for The Velveteen Rabbit, (a popular children’s book first published in 1922), and works created during his travels to India. In sharp contrast, it also encompasses Nicholson’s poignant wartime paintings, as well as his gleaming still lifes that showcase his mastery of light and texture.
The current exhibition, which runs until 10 May 2026, is a rare opportunity to rediscover one of Modern British art’s most beloved and versatile figures. Visitors can view rarely seen works and intimate depictions of family and friends, including a newly displayed portrait of William’s son, Ben Nicholson (1894-1982). Despite the passage of time, William Nicholson’s work remains as vivid and thought provoking as ever. Thanks to his bold brushwork, exquisite use of colour and an eye for beauty, he continues to defy categorisation.
For anyone who can’t join us on 23 April 2026, or who would like to know more about William Nicholson’s works beforehand, there are lots of short trailers produced by Pallant House and by independent bloggers.
Art Gallery Explorer reveals the full breadth of William Nicholson’s creativity in a virtual tour of the gallery, with close-ups of a good number of the 150 paintings, some of which have never been on public display: click here
This is a brief introduction to the exhibition at Pallant House by the gallery’s director, Simon Martin: click here
This is a longer article about Pallant House with an interview with Simon Martin: click here
Planned programme for the day: TBC
09.00: Depart by coach from Hop Oast
10.15: Arrive Pallant House – welcome tea/coffee & biscuits in the Lecture Room
10.45: One-hour illustrated talk on William Nicholson
11.45: Time to view the exhibition at your own pace before lunch (the Pallant Café gets very busy but there are plenty of alternatives nearby)
After lunch, you can return to the Gallery to visit the other current exhibition, Mothering, with works by Caroline Walker, as well as the permanent collection.
16.30: Coach departs for Horsham
Cost: £40 pp (£35 if you have a National Art Pass). This includes coach hire + gratuity, entrance to the Pallant, a one-hour lecture on William Nicholson and the retrospective of his works.
