William Nicholson, Roses and knitting, 1928

Sir William Nicholson, Nancy in a feather hat (The artist’s daughter), 1910
Oil on canvas: 30 ¼ x 25 ¼ in / 76.8 x 64.1 cm

We were delighted to arrange the loan of Nancy in a feather hat, to the first major presentation of the artist’s work since 2004. Spanning the whole of Nicholson’s career, from his acclaimed prints and book illustrations to sensitive portraits, expansive landscapes and exquisite still lifes, the exhibition will run from 22^nd November 2025-10^th May 2026. A rare opportunity to rediscover one of Modern British art’s most beloved and versatile figures, the show will reconsider Nicholson’s spectacular output and successful career beyond artistic movements but at the heart of the art world. Nicholson painted Nancy several times before the First World War and she remains, like her father, a luminous, characterful, endlessly fascinating figure about whom we hope to discover more.

Sir William Nicholson, Roses and knitting, 1928
Oil on panel: 13 x 16 in / 33 x 40.6 cm

Nicholson’s Roses and knitting, currently on display at the Richard Green Gallery, London, was originally owned by the celebrated comedy actress Marie Tempest (1864-1942) who purchased the work from the artist’s solo exhibition at the Beaux Arts Gallery in 1929.

William Nicholson, Marie Tempest, 1903
Oil on canvas: 43 ½ X 41 3/8 in
© National Portrait Gallery, London

The pair had been friends since at least 1903 when Nicholson completed her highly successful portrait (National Portrait Gallery, London) and their friendship continued until her death. Returning to England in her sixties after several years touring abroad, Marie Tempest’s British career had been revived by two plays written especially for her by the young Noel Coward. In his comedy Hay Fever in 1925 she created the role of Judith Bliss, and two years later she starred in The Marquise for which Nicholson designed the costumes. Marie Tempest was known to enjoy knitting.

Read the full essay on Roses and knitting, written by Patricia Reed, author of William Nicholson’s Catalogue Raisonne, here

William Nicholson
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
22^nd November 2025-10^th May 2026