John Nash was a British painter renowned for his landscapes, still-lives, wood engravings, and illustrations, particularly in botanic works. He was also the younger brother of the acclaimed artist Paul Nash.

Nash was born in London, the second son of William Harry Nash, a lawyer who served as recorder of Abingdon, and Caroline Maude Jackson. The family relocated to Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, in 1901, where Nash received his early education at Langley Place in Slough and later attended Wellington College in Berkshire. Nash developed a keen interest in botany during his formative years, although he was uncertain about his future career path. Initially, he worked as a newspaper reporter for the Middlesex and Berkshire Gazette in 1910.

Although Nash lacked formal art training, his brother encouraged him to nurture his talents as a draughtsman. His early works primarily consisted of watercolours, including Biblical scenes, comic drawings, and landscapes. In 1913, Nash had a successful joint exhibition with Paul at the Dorien Leigh Gallery in London, and he became a founding member of the London Group in 1914. He played a significant role in influencing the works of artist Dora Carrington, with whom he shared a close bond.

During World War I, Nash initially faced health challenges that prevented his enlistment. However, from November 1916 to January 1918, he served in the Artists Rifles, a unit that his brother had joined earlier. Nash served as a sergeant in notable battles such as Passchendaele and Cambrai. He was spared during the Welsh Ridge counter-attack in 1917, an event that inspired one of his most famous paintings, "Over the Top," depicting the harrowing realities of war.

After the war, Nash married Dorothy Christine Kühlenthal, a friend of Carrington's, in May 1918. The couple settled in Gerrard's Cross, Buckinghamshire, where they welcomed their son William in 1930. Nash's post-war period was marked by a shift towards landscape painting, particularly in watercolours. His artworks often reflected the emotional aftermath of the war, characterized by a sense of desolation and introspection. Nash's profound connection to nature and the English landscape was evident in his meticulous craftsmanship and sensitive portrayal of natural subjects.

Nash's artistic pursuits extended beyond painting; he was also a skilled printmaker and illustrator. He became a member of the Society of Wood Engravers in 1920 and produced woodcuts and engravings for various literary publications and private presses. His interest in botanical subjects was evident in his illustrations for books such as H. E. Bates' "Flowers and Faces" and Bob Gathorne-Hardy's "Wild Flowers in Britain."

During World War II, Nash served in the Observer Corps and later as an official war artist with the rank of Captain in the Royal Marines. After the war, he settled in Wormingford, Essex, where he continued to teach and paint. Nash's contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous accolades, including his appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1964. His retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1967 marked a significant milestone in his career, being the first for a living painter.

Nash battled severe arthritis in his later years, and his wife's passing in 1976 was a profound loss. He passed away on 23 September 1977, in Colchester, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic achievements. Today, Nash is remembered as a leading figure in British art, admired for his poignant portrayals of landscapes and his enduring impact on the artistic landscape of his time.

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