William Nicholson (artist)
| Olympic medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Art competitions | ||
| Gold | 1928 Amsterdam | Graphic works[1] |
Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (5 February 1872 – 16 May 1949) was an English painter of still-life, landscape and portraits, also known for his work as a wood-engraver, illustrator, author of children's books and designer for the theatre.
[edit] Biography
Nicholson was the son of William Newzam Nicholson, an industrialist and Conservative MP of Newark and his wife Annie Elizabeth Prior, the daughter of Joseph Prior and Elizabeth (née Mallam) of Woodstock, Oxon. He was educated at Magnus, where he was coached by an art-master, W.H. Cubley of Newark-on-Trent, who had been a pupil of Sir William Beechey. He was briefly a student at Hubert von Herkomer's art school, where he met James Pryde; and afterwards at Julian's in Paris.[2]
In 1893 he married James Pryde's sister, the artist Mabel Pryde (1871-1918), with whom he would have four children - Ben (1894–1982); Anthony (1897–1918) who was killed in action during the First World War; Annie Mary "Nancy" (1899–1978), and Christopher "Kit" (1904–1948).[3]
From 1893 to 1898 he collaborated with James Pryde in designing posters. Their partnership was conspicuous for striking graphical work and woodcuts—they were known as the Beggarstaff Brothers,[4] and their poster work was significant historically.
After 1900 he concentrated on painting, encouraged by Whistler. He first exhibited as a painter at the International Society, of which Whistler was President.
In 1904 he designed the original settings for Peter Pan, and went on to design other plays and to illustrate several books.
Nicholson was involved in illustrating early books by Robert Graves, with Nancy, Graves' first wife. He wrote and illustrated characteristic children's books: The Velveteen Rabbit (1922) by Margery Williams and his own Clever Bill (1926) and The Pirate Twins (1929) for Faber & Faber. He also designed stained glass, notably a memorial window at St Andrew's Church, Mells.
Nicholson was knighted in 1936.[5]
