Sir Stanley Spencer

Place: Cookham

Born: 1891

Death: 1959

Biography:

Early Life and Education

, a renowned English painter, was born on June 30, 1891, in Cookham, Berkshire. He was the eighth surviving child of William and Anna Caroline Spencer (née Slack). Spencer's early education took place at home, where he was taught by his sisters Annie and Florence. Later, he attended the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1908 to 1912, under the guidance of Henry Tonks.

Artistic Career

Spencer's artistic career gained momentum shortly after leaving the Slade School of Art. He became well known for his paintings depicting Biblical scenes set in Cookham, a small village beside the River Thames where he was born and spent much of his life. Cookham, which Spencer referred to as "a village in Heaven," served as the backdrop for many of his works.

Notable Works and Style

Spencer's style, characterized by its attention to detail akin to that of the Pre-Raphaelites, often expressed his fervent yet unconventional Christian faith. Some of his notable works include:

• The Nativity, which won a Slade Composition Prize in 1912.
• Apple Gatherers, shown in the first Contemporary Art Society exhibition in 1913.
• Self-portrait (1914), a bold and austere work featuring Spencer himself, which was later bought by the artist Henry Lamb.

Influences and Legacy

Spencer's early work is regarded as a synthesis of French Post-Impressionism, exemplified by Paul Gauguin, and early Italian painting typified by Giotto. Although he did not join any artistic movements, his works still seem stylistic and experimental, foreshadowing some of the later works of Lucian Freud.

View Spencer's Artworks on Wikioo.org

To explore more of Sir Stanley Spencer's artworks, visit his page on Wikioo.org, featuring a wide range of his paintings, including The Centurion's Servant and Zacharias and Elizabeth.

Museums Featuring Spencer's Works

• The University of South Wales Art Collection Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artworks, including those by Spencer.
• The Whitworth Art Gallery, located in Manchester, United Kingdom, featuring a vast collection of painting masterpieces from various artists and movements.