Kate Nicholson studied at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, Cumbria College of Art and Design and Bath Academy of Art at Corsham Court. Moreover, the lifelong example and guidance of her parents (Ben and Winifred Nicholson) was critical to her development as an artist.
For instance, early in her career Kate stayed with Ben in St Ives in 1955, before moving into her own house and studio nearby. She also undertook multiple painting trips with Winifred to countries including Greece, Tunisia and Morocco.
The inspiration which her mother found in the colour, light, landscape and history of Greece is clear in Winifred’s drawings from their trips offered here. Furthermore, Kate had two solo exhibitions at LYC Museum and Art Gallery in Brampton, Cumbria, which was established in 1971 by Winifred with the artist Li Yuan Chia. Kate’s painting 'hunting gravestone' was included in that of 1981, the year after it was made.