The work of alpahabet man, painter and printmaker, WIlliam Nicholson has long been eclipsed by his more famous son, the abstract artist, Ben, but in his time, William was a man of substance.

A celebrated society portraitist, friend of the great and good, he even taught Winston Churchill!

The gallery is showing signed and unsigned original lithographs and woodcuts including the deluxe limited edition of 'An Illustrated Alphabet.’

Nottinghamshire-born Nicholson studied with artist Hubert von Herkomer. During the 1890s, he concentrated mainly on printmaking and designing posters with his brother-in-law James Pryde under the name of J.& W.Beggarstaff.

In 1897 Nicholson made a woodcut of Queen Victoria which helped to establish his name with the public.

During the same year he worked upon An Illustrated Alphabet for the publisher William Heinemann which was reasonably successful financially but more important in providing Nicholson with an opportunity to develop his talents as an engraver.

After 1900 Nicholson concentrated more on oil paintings and although he produced landscapes and still life pieces he really established himself as a portrait painter.

After the First World War Nicholson continued to be a highly acclaimed portrait painter.

Appointed a Trustee of the Tate Gallery from 1934-39 and knighted in 1936, there have been several important retrospective exhibitions of his work since his death.

More information about the exhibition which shows from July 12 to August 3 can be found at www.thegascoignegallery.com or call 01423 525000.