Look closely at the wall. It holds a story etched in blue. It’s the story of Sir William Nicholson. This blue plaque marks a place where he lived. Specifically, it was here at 1 Pilgrim’s Lane that William Nicholson resided from 1904 to 1906.
William Nicholson was born William Newzam Prior Nicholson in 1872. His birthplace was Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire. He became a celebrated British painter. His artistry spanned still life landscapes and portraits. Nicholson also excelled as a printmaker. He used woodcut wood-engraving and lithography. Beyond that he was an illustrator. He authored children’s books and designed for the theatre.
Nicholson’s early artistic journey included lessons from William Cubley. Cubley was a pupil of Sir William Beechey. Beechey himself learned from Sir Joshua Reynolds. From autumn 1891, he honed his skills at the Académie Julian in Paris. He returned to Newark after only six months.
In 1893 Nicholson eloped with Mabel Pryde. They had known each other for four years. They married in Ruislip on April 25. The couple made their home in a former pub. It was named the Eight Bells at Denham. Mabel’s brother James soon joined them.
William and Mabel Nicholson had four children. Ben Nicholson became a celebrated painter. Anthony died in France during World War One. Annie Mary “Nancy” became an artist. She also became the wife of poet Robert Graves. Christopher “Kit” became an architect and designer. Mabel passed away in July 1918 during the Spanish flu epidemic. Anthony died from wounds received in action near the end of the war.
Nicholson’s graphic work includes collaborations with his brother-in-law James Pryde. They were known as the Beggarstaffs. They designed posters and created book illustrations together.
Nicholson’s book design and illustration work is extensive. He provided illustrations for “An Alphabet” and “An Almanac of Twelve Sports”. Both were published in 1898. He also illustrated “London Types”. Later came “The Square Book of Animals”. He illustrated books by his son-in-law Robert Graves. He also illustrated “The Velveteen Rabbit”. Nicholson wrote and illustrated his own children’s books. These included “Clever Bill” and “The Pirate Twins”.
Around 1900 Nicholson shifted his focus to painting. Encouragement came from Whistler. Nicholson first exhibited his paintings at the International Society. Whistler was its President.
In 1904 Nicholson designed the original settings for Peter Pan. He designed other plays and illustrated more books. He also designed stained glass.
William Nicholson’s talent extended to teaching. One of his pupils was Winston Churchill. Churchill credited Nicholson with teaching him the most about painting.
Nicholson’s artistic achievements earned him a gold medal. It was in the graphic works section at the 1928 Summer Olympics. This was for his “Almanach de douze sports 1898”. He received a knighthood in 1936.
Remember Sir William Nicholson. He lived here. He painted he printed he designed. This plaque serves as a reminder of his creative legacy.