Ben Nicholson

Ben Nicholson (1894-1982)

Ben Nicholson was best known as a pioneer of abstract art in Britain. Nicholson's earliest paintings were still lifes influenced by those of his father. In the 1920's he began figurative painting and abstract work influenced by Post Impressionism and Cubism. Nicholson later began to work in relief, he carved and painted reliefs in a bold geometric style which placed him as a leader of the Constructivist movement in London in the 1930's.

He first visited St Ives in 1928 where along with fellow artist Christopher Wood, Nicholson discovered Alfred Wallis. Nicholson joined the St Ives Group in 1943 and along with sculptor Naum Gabo he taught and inspired other young artists which included Peter Lanyon.