William Nicholson: The Pallant House Gallery Exhibition Catalogue

Last updated: 21 March 2026

What's in the William Nicholson book?

William Nicholson (1872–1949) was one of the most versatile British artists of the 20th century. He illustrated The Velveteen Rabbit, designed the original sets for the first production of Peter Pan, produced pioneering graphic posters with his brother-in-law James Pryde as the Beggarstaffs, and painted some of the finest still lifes in Modern British art. Despite all of this, he has been unfairly overlooked, partly because he refused to join any art movement and partly because the reputation of his son, the abstract painter Ben Nicholson, cast a long shadow.

This William Nicholson book sets out to reconsider his entire output afresh. Published by Pallant House Gallery to accompany the landmark exhibition running from 22 November 2025 to 10 May 2026, it is the first major publication dedicated to Nicholson in over 20 years.

Book details at a glance

Title: William Nicholson
Editor: Simon Martin (Director, Pallant House Gallery)
Contributors: Stephen Calloway, Simon Martin, Miriam O'Connor Perks, Jane Pritchard, Patricia Reed, Melanie Vandenbrouck
Publisher: Pallant House Gallery
Format: Hardback
Pages: 176
Illustrations: 140 colour and black-and-white
ISBN: 9781869827649
Price: £35
Published: November 2025

Why this catalogue matters

The book goes beyond a simple exhibition guide. It argues that Nicholson's work is more complex than previous interpretations have suggested, positioning his output as a product of his times. His portraits of key figures of the British Empire, his deep connection with London's theatre world, and his pioneering graphic work are all examined alongside the luminous still lifes and landscapes for which he is best known.

The contributor list brings together some of the most authoritative voices on Nicholson's work. Patricia Reed compiled the definitive catalogue raisonné of Nicholson's oil paintings, published in 2011 by Modern Art Press and Yale University Press, running to 866 entries. Stephen Calloway is a former curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum who has curated exhibitions on Nicholson previously. Jane Pritchard MBE is Curator of Dance at the V&A, bringing expertise on Nicholson's theatrical design work. Simon Martin, Melanie Vandenbrouck and Miriam O'Connor Perks bring the curatorial perspective from Pallant House itself.

Still lifes, portraits and beyond

Nicholson's still lifes are widely regarded as unrivalled in 20th-century British painting. His ability to capture the luminous qualities of silver, glass, lustre and polished surfaces is extraordinary. Works like The Lustre Bowl with Green Peas (1911), The Silver Casket and Red Leather Box (1920) and Gold Jug (1937, on loan from the Royal Collection) are all featured in both the exhibition and the book.

The catalogue also covers his graphic work, including the bold posters he produced with James Pryde as the Beggarstaffs in the 1890s, the celebrated An Alphabet woodcuts (1897), and his illustrations for The Velveteen Rabbit (1922). Portraits of J. M. Barrie, Max Beerbohm and the tender unfinished portrait of his young son Ben Nicholson are included alongside evocative landscapes of the Sussex Downs.

If you've visited the William Nicholson exhibition at Pallant House and want to take the experience home with you, this is the book to get. And if you haven't visited yet, it makes a compelling case for making the trip to Chichester before the show closes on 10 May 2026.

About Pallant House Gallery

Pallant House Gallery is one of Britain's most distinctive modern art museums, housed in a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse with a contemporary extension in the heart of Chichester. Its collection spans over 5,000 works of Modern British art, including pieces by Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, Graham Sutherland and Ben Nicholson. The gallery also has an award-winning independent art bookshop, the Pallant Bookshop, which stocks what is widely considered the best selection of Modern British art books in the country.

Admission to the gallery is £17 for adults, £5 for students, and free for under 18s. Art Fund members pay £8.50.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy the William Nicholson book?

The catalogue is available directly from the Pallant Bookshop for £35. You can order online or buy in person at the gallery bookshop in Chichester. Free UK delivery is available on orders over £100.

How many pages and illustrations does the book have?

The William Nicholson book is a 176-page hardback with 140 colour and black-and-white illustrations.

Who are the contributors?

The book is edited by Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery. Contributors include Stephen Calloway (art historian and former V&A curator), Patricia Reed (author of Nicholson's catalogue raisonné), Jane Pritchard MBE (Curator of Dance, V&A), Miriam O'Connor Perks (Curator, Pallant House) and Melanie Vandenbrouck (Chief Curator, Pallant House).

Is this the same as the catalogue raisonné?

No. Patricia Reed's catalogue raisonné of the oil paintings is a separate publication from 2011 (Modern Art Press/Yale University Press) running to 866 entries. This 2025 catalogue is a new exhibition publication that considers Nicholson's full career across all media.

Is the William Nicholson exhibition still on?

Yes. The exhibition at Pallant House Gallery runs until 10 May 2026. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm, and Sunday, 10am–4pm. Read our full review of the exhibition.

More from CoolCuration

• William Nicholson at Pallant House review – Our 4/5 Stone cold review of the exhibition this catalogue accompanies.
• Audible on CoolCuration – Prefer listening to reading? Explore audiobooks and get a free trial.
• Kindle Paperwhite – A great companion for art book lovers who also read on the go.
• Gift guide for bookworms – More brilliant books and reading gifts for the bibliophile in your life.
• TrainPal vs Trainline – Planning a trip to Chichester for the exhibition? Find cheaper train tickets.

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