Nigel Lambourne studied at the Royal College of Art where he was awarded the Medal for Draughtsmanship and the Engraver and Lithographers Diploma. In the 1940s Lambourne began to establish himself as an illustrator of books for the Folio Society. During the 40's and 50's he exhibited at Colnaghi, Kensington Art Gallery, the Wilton and Zwemmer Galleries.

Lambourne was a masterly draughtsman, with a taut, springing line, shown to great effect in his drawings of low life and the female figure.His work is held by amongst others: Arts Council, Contemporary Art Society, National Galleries of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and MOMA, New York.