"Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) was one of the greatest British artists of the twentieth century, first coming to international prominence with his famous 'white reliefs' of the 1930s. A pioneer of abstract art in Britain, he played a significant role in the European avantgarde, forming close links with Picasso, Braque, Arp, Mondrian and others. At the same time he had a strong sense of tradition, maintaining a life-long attachment to landscape and still-life forms. Central to the establishment of a modernist art community in St Ives, Nicholson's importance as a disseminator of international avant-garde ideas in Britain cannot be overstated. His career spanned more than 60 years and embraced carved reliefs, paintings, drawings and prints. Virginia Button's engaging, fully illustrated survey provides a detailed examination of Nicholson's life and work in St Ives, giving a thorough introduction as well as new insights into the evolving practice of this major artist over a period of six decades."--Wheelers.co.nz.

An intimate look at Ben Nicholson's everyday inspirations

This book examines the artistic partnership of Ben Nicholson and Winifred Nicholson in the 1920s and their friendship and collaboration with Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, and the potter William Staite Murray. Inspired by each other, the Nicholsons experimented furiously and often painted the same subject, one as a colorist the other more interested in form. Winifred wrote of her time with Ben, 'All artists are unique and can only unite as complementaries not as similarities'. New research based on previously unpublished letters, photographs and other material draws out their fascinating connections. All the works, many of which are previously unpublished, are illustrated in full color, each with comments relating to the work by the artists and their critics.

Renowned for her elegantly sleek sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze, Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) is among Britain's most important modern artists. This groundbreaking new publication focuses on the spaces and contexts, physical and conceptual, in which the artist is positioned. It examines her interest in staging and presenting work--indoors and out--in studio, film, garden, stage, architecture, photography, and print. As well as placing her work alongside her British and international contemporaries, a broad range of distinguished contributors also consider wider technical and intellectual concerns. Richly illustrated with more than 200 color images drawn from her entire career, the catalog represents some of Hepworth's best-known works in addition to introducing some of her less familiar pieces. The book features previously unseen documentary material, including photographs and film stills that cast new light on one of the 20th century's greatest artists.

This volume provides a documentary account of William Nicholson's life and work. It uses contemporary records, articles and reminiscences, and the numerous letters William wrote to his family and friends. The text considers what Nicholson painted, why and for whom; what spurred him on to experimention and artistic adventure; how he fared in times of elation and anguish; how he combined the serious playfulness of his vision with a deep affection for nature; and how he collaborated with some of the leading men of his day, among them Rudyard Kipling, J.M. Barrie, William Orpen, Edwin Lutyens, Robert Graves (his son-in-law), and Winston Churchill. The aim is to do justice to the diversity of William Nicholson's work, and provide a detailed portrait of the man and the artist.

Catalogue of an exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery, London, 16 February-20 May 2012.