Ben Nicholson (1894–1982) was a British modernist painter and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He played a crucial role in shaping abstract art in Britain, moving from figurative still-life paintings to geometric abstraction. His early work was influenced by Cubism and Post Impressionism, while his later pieces often featured layered reliefs, creating a sense of depth and structure. Nicholson was closely associated with the modernist movement in St Ives, Cornwall, where he lived for several years. His work is known for its refined simplicity, balance, and sensitivity to form.

Nicholson was influenced by several modernist movements, particularly Cubism, Constructivism, and Abstract Art. Early in his career, he experimented with still-life compositions that reflected the structured approach of Cubist artists like Picasso and Braque. Later, he developed a distinctive form of geometric abstraction, inspired by European artists such as Piet Mondrian and Naum Gabo.

Nicholson used a range of materials throughout his career, adapting his techniques as his style evolved. In his early still-life paintings, he worked with oil paint on canvas, often depicting simple objects with bold outlines and subtle colour variations. As he moved towards abstraction, he became known for his painted reliefs, such as wooden panels carved and layered to create geometric forms. These were usually painted in muted tones, especially white, to emphasise their interplay of light and shadow. Later in life, he also explored printmaking, producing striking etchings and lithographs.

St Ives, Cornwall, played a significant role in shaping Nicholson’s artistic vision. Moving there in 1939 with his then-wife, sculptor Barbara Hepworth, he became part of a thriving community of modernist artists. The town’s rugged coastline, ever-changing light, and unique atmosphere influenced his approach to abstraction. While his work remained rooted in geometric composition, it absorbed a sense of space, tranquillity, and natural rhythm inspired by the Cornish landscape. St Ives also connected him to artists like Naum Gabo and younger British modernists, reinforcing his role as a leading figure in the movement.

Ben Nicholson’s artworks can be found in various locations, including museums, private collections, and specialist galleries. While many major art institutions house his work, one of the best places to explore and acquire Nicholson’s pieces is Contemporary Six, a leading gallery specialising in modern British art. This gallery offers a carefully curated selection of Nicholson’s prints, paintings, and reliefs, providing collectors and enthusiasts with access to his distinctive style.