Cher Maître: The Art of William Nicholson
| Date | Monday 8 June 2026 |
| Time | 18.30-19.30 BST (drinks and exhibition visit until 20.45) |
| Location | At the museum (Theatre) and Online (Zoom) |
| Speaker | Simon Martin |
Join Simon Martin as he explores Sir William Nicholson's life and work and his influence on Winston Churchill as a painter.
Sir William Nicholson was a close friend, mentor and painting tutor to Winston Churchill, who affectionately called him 'Cher Maître' ('Dear Master'). Discover how they often painted together at Chartwell and learn how Nicholson's influence as a painter of dazzling still life and landscapes helped shape Churchill's hobby into a passionate pursuit.
About the speaker: Simon Martin is Director of Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, one of the leading regional modern art museums in the UK. He is a Trustee of the Artist Collecting Society and previously was on the Board of Charleston, on the Fabric Advisory Committee of Chichester Cathedral, the Courtauld Association Committee and International Art Advisor to the Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto, Japan. He has written and contributed to numerous books on modern and contemporary British art, including on the artists Edward Burra, Kaye Donachie, John Minton, Eduardo Paolozzi, Glyn Philpot, Colin Self, and Clare Woods, and thematic books such as Drawn to Nature: Gilbert White and the Artists.
Take part at the museum: Join us at the museum for this special talk, followed by drinks and Winston Churchill: The Painter exhibition visit until 20.45.
Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks.