Sporting pictures exhibition 1976, Joanna Dickinson and Nicholas Treadwell at the Thomas A’Beckett Pub, Old Kent Road, London
After 63 years of deep involvement with Art, Artists and every aspect of Creativity and those who make it happen, these are still the reasons I get up every morning full with enthusiasm for the possibilities of what might happen on that particular day. If it looks like being a quiet day, there are so many easily enthused creative friends with whom I can make contact for mutual inspiration, whether it be for Art, Film, Theatre, a Festival or whatever.
Artist’s lunch at Denne Hill, 1982
I have had close and long relationships with many extraordinary Artists, and it is they who have given me insight into their inspiration, content and the technical quality of their work. What they don’t tell me, I am close enough to conclude for myself, and I have found my own way to explore and take in the history of the Art in which I have become totally absorbed. What I haven’t learnt from Artists, I have learnt instinctively, authentically gaining an all encompassing view of the Art which has become my obsessive specialisation. I love people and am fascinated by people in general, particularly those who, on the one hand, create the inspired work I wish to exhibit, and, on the other hand, those who instinctively respond to the emotionally provocative Art for which my Gallery is famous.
Sculptures by Jenny Smith 1974 – Jane Goodbody, Nick Treadwell and Jan Jackson
Money has never been an issue. For most of my life I have been in some kind of financial crisis, and anyway, without money, it is necessary to find more creative ways to achieve aims. I know many people with a lot of money and they are rarely happier than me. A life, whether creative or not, needs pushing, guiding, controlling and developing, with passion and persistence towards the achievement of our ultimate goals. In 2021 I achieved the goal I had been attempting to achieve for many years, when my Collection of 636 works was acquired by the Mario Müller Foundation. Our contractual agreement gave me the assurance that my Collection would be housed in the historic Cselley Mühle, in a building which would be renamed Treadwell’s Art Mill, and it would remain on public exhibition long after my death.
Nick Treadwell with John Holmes’s 1969 painting, Entre’Acte.
I should add that I have put this Collection together with single minded persistence, with the intention that the works are as intriguing and informative to Art Historians and those interested in Art, as they are influential and entertaining to the general public. Furthermore that they give future generations an idea of life in our time.
I have written the story of my life, titled Kiss My Art, which was published in 2012. From then till now a lot has happened and a lot is planned to happen in the coming years. For example, the setting up of my new collection in the UK, together with my son. There is clearly another book to be written… hopefully I still have the discipline and time to write it…
Now 89, 90 next September, I wonder how much longer I have to live. Shall I have time (and energy) for all my plans… We shall see!
Nicholas Treadwell, September 2026
Very special thanks to Michael Werzowa for his great work on the restructuring of this website as well as his very kind help in giving me greater understanding of up to date technology.
Also, very special thanks to Gerald Ornetzeder for his design of the Original Website, as well as his exceptional patience in helping to understand some of the fundamental basics of using it. I consider myself very lucky to have such generous friends as Michael and Gerald.
Nick T.