The light at sea

A new exhibition showcasing the Modern British painters is testament to their lasting impact

 

Ben and Winifred Nicholson – the power couple of the Modern British painting movement – were classically trained but had their heads turned by the visionary painters of mainland Europe. For Ben, meeting Mondrian and Picasso inspired him to break from his roots and pursue more abstract forms of expression. Winifred’s sensibility was shaped by trips further afield; a 1919 visit to India established a fascination with colour that followed her throughout her career until her death in 1981. This new exhibition is curated by their art historian grandson Jovan Nicholson and also features works by Christopher Wood and Alfred Wallis. All were devotees of the famous light at St Ives, Cornwall. The exhibition showcases rarely seen seascapes, still lifes and portraits from one of the most important periods of British painting in the 20th century.

 

Art and Life 1920 -1931 opens 4 June at Dulwich Picture Gallery and runs until 21 September