A major exhibition of William Nicholson (1872-1949) has opened at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, running from 22 November 2025 to 10 May 2026. It is his first major show in 20 years and spans his entire career, featuring bold posters, woodcuts, portraits, still lifes, and graphic works. The exhibition highlights his collaborations under the name J & W Beggarstaff, his celebrated series *An Alphabet* and *London Types*, and his portraits of both society figures and people from lower social classes. It also includes his book illustrations for works such as *The Velveteen Rabbit* and *Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man*.
This exhibition matters because it seeks to correct Nicholson's historical underestimation as a minor artist overshadowed by his son Ben Nicholson. By showcasing his extraordinary versatility across media and genres, and emphasizing his non-commissioned portraits of ordinary people, the show argues for his rightful place as a major figure in British art. It also brings renewed attention to his radical graphic style, which was compared to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in its time.