In its scrutiny of the physical surroundings of artistic life during this period, the book sheds insight into how the studio environment articulated personal values, artistic affinities and professional aspirations. Not only does it consider the studio in terms of architectural design, but also in the light of the artist’s work and life in the studio, and the market for contemporary art. By showing how artists navigated the volatile market for contemporary art during a troubled time, the book provides a new perspective on British art.

Including previously unpublished letters to both Winifred Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth, these are complemented by those sent to some of the artist’s closest friends and trusted supporters, among them Herbert Read, Adrian Stokes, Jim Ede and Margaret Gardiner. Throughout, Nicholson’s lively intellect and total commitment to art are clearly evident, as is his association and friendship with some of the key figures of international Modernism, including Mondrian, Henry Moore and Picasso.
 
Featuring reproductions of key works and selected letters, Ben Nicholson: Writings and Ideas is an invaluable resource to all those interested in the work of this key British artist and the period in which he worked.

With the narrative constructed around private papers and images found within the family archive, the life and work of a driven and gifted artist is presented. Complemented by images drawn from the painter’s whole career, the beautiful reproductions reveal Peploe’s skill of reinvention as he absorbed the manifold influences of the period in which he worked. Yet while the impact of particular movements and artists can be detected in Peploe’s oeuvre, his paintings also display a distinct vision which mark them out as significant contributions to the rich seam of art produced during the twentieth century.

Capturing the spirit of the man and the vibrant point in history in which his work matured, S.J. Peploe provides the definitive account of one of Scotland’s most important artists.