Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) is widely recognised as one of the foremost English artists of his generation. He achieved fame as a printmaker long before he became widely known as a painter. As early as 1890 he had begun to make woodcuts and to experiment with the addition of subtle tints of green, ochre and umber to his black and white compositions. He soon became known for his skill and innovation in the medium, elevating the art form both aesthetically and commercially. In 1897, Nicholson produced his most celebrated portrait, Queen Victoria, which became one of the most famous British prints ever made.
His Alphabet series brought him success with the public and critics while he was still a young man. The prints, originally conceived as a tiny edition of hand coloured woodcuts, were published as lithographs in 1898. Several of the figures are witty and ironic, for example A was an Artist is a self portrait of Nicholson as a pavement artist whilst B for Beggar shows his brother-in-law James Pryde leaning on a staff - Pryde and Nicholson were, at the time, working together under the pseudonym J & W Beggarstaff.
... this art of leaving out is proof of the perfect acquaintance with the art of putting in, Mr. Nicholson states the few essential facts, and makes all else accessory.
James Whistler
