William NICHOLSON

Sir William Nicholson was a noted artist and an outstanding portrait, still-life and landscape artist. He was also a noted woodcutter and in the 1920s wrote several children’s books, serving as the illustrator for several Robert Graves’ books. Nicholson had his first exhibition at the National Gallery in 1942, and the Tate has several of his works.

Nicholson’s gold medal-winning work at the 1928 Games was entitled “Un Almanach de douze Sports” (An Almanac of Twelve Sports) which was a wood carving. He also entered the paintings competition, but without success.

Born in Newark-on-Trent his father was the Conservative MP for the town. Nicholson (junior) was knighted in the 1936 Birthday Honours’ List. He spent his later life living in Blewbury, Berkshire which was also the home to some famous writers including thriller writer Dick Francis and Kenneth Grahame, of Wind in the Willows fame.