Rachael Nicholson (MA) uses found metal, glass and recycled elements to create dynamic & sustainable artworks. Her process-based approach prioritises integrity to materials and place, with sensitive use of colour.
Working principally in steel and iron, Nicholson is drawn to time-worn materials salvaged from farmland, shorelines and scrap yards. ‘It intrigues me when a found object expresses its own unique history: a cluster of bleached pink fishing line, a dented fence grid or a rusted Victorian crib.’ Her usage of recycled materials highlights issues surrounding environmental degradation and consumer waste.
Nicholson grew up in Cumbria and Scotland, later moving to the South East of England. After studying literature to post-graduate level, she explored sculpture in London and specialised in metal. She has exhibited in galleries, business centres, art shops and private shows across the UK. In 2022, she received an Arts Council DYCP award for research and development. Sculpture commissions have come from churches, schools, art centres and from private collectors in the UK and abroad. She is currently based in Lewes, East Sussex.
EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS:
La Duchaylatière: SOLO INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION of outdoor sculptural works in the stunning botanical garden of La Duchaylatière, La Forêt Saint Dennis, Lanneray, France. Scheduled for May-June 2026
Recycling Expo 2025, London Excel Centre. Solo exhibition of artworks in the VIP lounge of the Excel centre, plus a solo trade stand. Promoting artworks made with sustainable/recycled materials. 7th & 8th October, 2025
Of Substance group sculpture show, Gallery North, Hailsham, 6th September - 1st November 2025
Sussex Contemporary: The Land We Live Within group show, The Barn on the Green, Ditchling, BN6 8SP, 18th-21st September 2025
Anchored in Silence group exhibition of sculpture and installations for Artwave Festival, St Anne’s Church, Lewes, 6th-22nd September 2025
Structures group exhibition at The Depot cinema & arts centre in Lewes, 6th-21st September 2025
Spring Rising public sculpture commission for Lewes Town Council Easter shop display in the old tourist office, 11th-22nd April 2025
I Am an Arktivist group exhibition, Laura I. Art Gallery, Barking, London, 30 November - 13 December 2024
Public Art Commission for Brewery Heritage Trail, Alton: harp sculpture, 2024, for installation 2025
TRESPASSERS group outdoor sculpture exhibition, Lovebrook Farm, Kingston, Lewes, 7th-22nd September 2024.
The Art of Life group show, Star Brewery Gallery, Lewes, 7th-22nd September 2024
OPEN 24 contemporary art show, Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donington, Leics, 27th July - 8th August 2024
REinsTate pop-up interactive sculpture exhibition and pubiic engagement at The Tate Institute, London, July 15th - 19th 2024
Public Art piece, Ghost Monkeys, for Waterloo Festival, ‘Cimate Change’, St John’s Church Waterloo, London, July-Sept, 2024
Fresh Air Sculpture Biennale, Quenington, 16th June - 7th July 2024: 2 large outdoor works commissioned
FRACTION group exhibition of abstract art, Fox Yard Gallery, Stowmarket, April 27th - May 5th 2024
Sussex Contemporary group exhibition, Brighton i360 Gallery, October 2023
The Art of Biodiversity group show, Star Brewery Gallery, Lewes, September 2023
Artwave Festival, Lewes: Open Studios group exhibition, September 2023
PATHWAYS woodland sculpture exhibition at Hook Green wood, Lamberhurst, June 2023
Artrepreneur.com - winner of wall-based metal sculpture competition, March 2023
Farley’s House and Gallery, Sussex - group sculpture show, May 2022 - November 2023
Star Brewery Gallery, Lewes - The River Show, 3-18 September 2022
The Depot, Lewes - Water, mixed media open exhibition for Artwave, 3-18 September 2022
Artwave Open Studios at The Stitching Post, Isfield, Lewes - September 2022
Standen House and Garden, Sussex - group sculpture exhibition, June & July 2022
African Revival Charity, Surrey, July 2022 - summer exhibition
Arts Council Award: DYCP research and development grant, 2022-23
St Katharine’s Church, Merstham, Surrey, 2021: commission for semi-abstract nativity centrepiece sculpture
Elizabeth House, Southwark, London, 2021: 6-month window display of selected works
African Revival Charity, Surrey, 2021 - summer exhibition
Landmark Arts Gallery, London, 2021- online group exhibition
African Revival Charity, Surrey, 2020 - summer exhibition
Selector’s Choice Award - MADE 2020 sculpture show hosted by Morley Gallery, London
Art and Soul outdoor sculpture show, Hazelmere, 2018
Holding Space group show, Goldsmiths, London, 2010
Manor House Sculpture Exhibition, Cambourne, 2010
London Zoo Recycled Sculpture Show, 2008
Midland Grand Hotel Annual Art Show, London, 2002 & 2003
Jon Old Gallery, Kensington, London, 2002-4: represented by the gallery for sales of selected artworks
Stanley Arts Centre, Croydon, 2000 – commission for sensory garden sculpture
Private collector commissions in Devon, Edinburgh, London and Surrey
