While artists typically gain renown for work in a specific field, many tend to dabble in others. Some go one step further and become pioneers in different fields. Sir William Nicholson is one of the best examples. He became one of the finest artists of his time because of his work in posters and woodcuts, portraits, and landscape and still life-paintings.
Background
Nicholson was born in 1872 in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England. His father, William, was an engineer at the local Trent Ironworks. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in the area today, a symbol of the area’s industrial heritage. Later, he became Conservative MP for Newark.
At 16, Nicholson began attending the famous art school of Sir Hubert von Herkomer in Bushey, Hertfordshire. He met his first wife, Mabel Pryde, and her brother James here. Amazingly, he left in 1891 after posing a nude model with an umbrella, an action Herkomer said was “impudence”. He then had six months at Rodolphe Julian’s Academie in Paris, France.
Posters
The first field of work Sir William Nicholson established himself in was posters. Beginning as a collaboration with James Pryde in 1894, they quickly got recognition for the originality of the bold designs as well as the wonderfully striking silhouettes. At the end of the partnership, Nicholson’s personal style and reputation was well established.
One of the most notable works from this period is An Almanac of Twelve Sports. The book has signature illustrations of 12 sports by Nicholson, including hunting, horse racing, fishing, and boxing. Amazingly, it also has accompanying words by Rudyard Kipling.
Portraits
Nicholson became a celebrated portrait artist at the start of the 20th century. He did portraits of numerous prominent figures, becoming one of the finest artists in the field. His work was so popular that he said at one point he had “sitters every 20 minutes”.
If you want to see some portraits by Sir William Nicholson, they are on display in several galleries. The most notable are essayist and caricaturist Max Beerbohm and horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, both at London’s National Portrait Gallery.
Landscapes and still-life
The third field is the one that many claim Nicholson was the most passionate about. His work could capture the spirit of various settings and items. Notably, he did beautiful paintings of the English downlands that celebrate the special feelings of the areas. The amazing still-life paintings include everything from vases to fruit and fish.
If you want to see some of these pieces, there are exhibits in dozens of public galleries. This includes Newark Town Hall. Works are also in several archives, including the Tate and Royal Academy of the Arts.
Would you like to buy a piece of Sir William Nicholson art?
Charter Prints is immensely proud to have some pieces by Nicholson. This includes Horse Racing from An Almanac of Twelve Sports. You can have a look at them on our website here. Then, if you want to purchase any, simply get in touch with us.