Theo van Doesburg and Hans Arp’s collaboration on the refurbishment of the Aubette in Strasbourg did not go entirely smoothly. They even quarrelled about the fee: Van Doesburg thought he deserved more. That did not stop them from buying a piece of land near Paris and making plans to build a shared house and studio. This series of four accompanying articles gives new insights into Nelly’s life, her artistic network and her role in promoting Theo’s work.

When she first met Peggy Guggenheim, Nelly talked incessantly about her husband Theo and his work. Peggy was only moderately interested: “I was not in the least impressed and thought she was funny. I allowed her little by little to force her way into my life.” A series of four articles accompanying the exhibition Atelier Nelly and Theo van Doesburg provides more insight into Nelly’s life, her artistic network and her role in the promulgation of Theo’s work.

Theo van Doesburg showed his wife Nelly how to adapt her clothes and make-up to the latest fashion. Nelly later ensured that Theo’s name was firmly anchored in art history following his death. The exhibition Atelier Nelly and Theo van Doesburg recognises Nelly as a key figure in establishing Theo’s reputation. A series of four accompanying articles provides an insight into Nelly’s life, her artistic network and her role in promoting Theo’s work. The first of these looks at her early life and relationship with Theo.