We’ve mentioned before how we work across the collections to tell the stories about the life, times and doings at ECA. So we thought we’d show you some of the evidence for how we researched works coming into the College Art Collection in the 1950s. These included those by Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. Research we did for these works is best illustrated by this letter from Ben Nicholson in 1954. Both works were purchased through the Carnegie Fund.

‘Dear Robert Lyon,

Thanks for your letter – New address for the cheque as above please.

Venice was enjoyable but hard work (of a kind). The London press criticisms which I’ve seen give no idea at all of continental reactions to the British Pavilion at the Bienniale. My work obtained Hr Ulyssi – award (350,000 lire)

Ernst received Hr Grand prix – (wih Miro next and Ronault & myself bracketed next).

The Miro show was in my opinion very fine – Ernst’s ‘literature’ not ‘painting’!

Barbara tells me she sent you her drawing and I hope it reached you OK.

With best regards B.N.’