Letters and papers of Paul Nash

Available online are letters from Paul Nash to his wife, Margaret, dating from 1913 to 1943. Most of the letters date from the early years of their life together, and they include love letters written before their marriage and other letters which throw light on their relationship. There are also a substantial number of letters written during his service as a soldier and as a War Artist during the First World War. Nash first went to the front line in 1917 as a Second Lieutenant in the Fifteenth Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. His letters at this time, some of which are illustrated, described life in the trenches and war-torn landscapes. As well as containing news of his daily life and social engagements, many of the letters mention the progress of Nash's work, his artistic and commercial commissions, his exhibitions and his involvement with the contemporary art world. The letters often also contain comments on the landscapes Nash sees, and give some insight into the inspiration for his pictures.

In addition, a number of letters from John Nash to his family are also available online. These letters were written during John Nash's military service during the First World War, and recount his experiences of daily life as a soldier, as well as discussing family news. Many of the letters are illustrated.

Also available online is a letter from Henry Moore to Paul Nash written in September 1933.

Details of the remainder of the collection can be found on the Archive catalogue.

Collection Owner

Paul Nash 1889–1946

Collection

Tate Archive

Acquisition

Gift of Anstice Shaw, September 1983.

Reference

TGA 8313