The small scale of Two Forms 1940-42 can in part be attributed to the new conditions that Nicholson found himself working under after the outbreak of the war. Along with Naum Gabo the Nicholsons had moved to Cornwall where 'facilites were poor for work and times were hard. The Nicholsons moved into their own accomodation in December 1939. Nicholson continued to make reliefs and abstract paintings but these were principally small projects intended for larger works which were often not made for lack of studio space and material' (J. Lewisohn, Ben Nicholson, Oxford, 1991, p. 19).

In all Nicholson executed eight versions of Two Forms which all appear to have been painted during his time at the new family home 'Dunluce' which he left in September 1942. Aside from Graham Sutherland, owners of other versions have included Curt Valentin, and an oil of somewhat larger format is currently housed in the National Museum of Wales (op. cit., no. 99, illustrated in colour)