"The small scale of Two Forms 1940-42 can in part be attributed to the new circumstances that Nicholson found himself in after the outbreak of war. Along with Naum Gabo the Nicholsons had moved to Cornwall where facilities were poor for work and times were hard. The Nicholsons moved into their own accommodation 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. Other notable owners of pictures from this series have included Curt Valentin and Graham Sutherland.

The present painting was purchased by the present owner, Tom Alexander, for ¨30 in 1953. All the fascinating correspondence pertaining to the purchase, including the cheque itself, will be offered for sale along with the paintng. In one of these letters dated 19th April 1953, Nicholson writes, "Your small painting should get into the post to you tomorrow with any luck - frame and mount dry and corners touched up - I am pleased particularly with the textured mount which intensifies the two forms - I think this is perhaps the best of the 'midget' versions I made of this idead". Included is also a signed copy of the first edition of Lund Humphries' catalogue of Nicholson's paintings published in 1948.