Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) was a British painter, also know for his work as an illustrator. His partnership with James Pryde, his brother-in-law, was conspicuous for striking graphical work, and woodcuts: they were known as the Beggarstaff Brothers, and their poster work was significant historically. He married Mabel Pryde (1871-1918), also an artist, in 1893.

After 1900 he concentrated on painting, encouraged by Whistler. He was knighted in 1936. Ben Nicholson and Nancy Nicholson were his children; as was the architect Christopher 'Kit' Nicholson .

He was involved in illustrating early volumes from Robert Graves, with Nancy, who was Graves' first wife. He wrote and illustrated characteristic children's books: The Velveteen Rabbit (1922) by Margery Williams , and his own Clever Bill (1926) and The Pirate Twins (1929) for Faber & Faber.

He also designed stained glass, notably a memorial window at St Andrew's Church, Mells .

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• Cover of Clever Bill