Stanley Spencer Gallery

The Gallery promotes knowledge of Spencer and his works in many ways.

• We have a searchable database of our collection of works.
• The casual learner will enjoy the exhibitions, library and informative exhibition catalogues.
• School parties are welcome (book in advance).
• School holiday arts and crafts sessions are organised. (book in advance).
• The Gallery also has a programme of talks and walks which can be booked for groups of 8 or more
• Lectures and events take place in the Gallery and are advertised on the website.
• Custodians are always in the Gallery and are happy to help with questions.

Current Exhibition - Paradise Regained  
Stanley Spencer in the Aftermath of the First World War 

The First World War was to have a profound effect upon the artist Stanley Spencer (1891-1959).  Looking back upon his years in uniform he bemoaned ‘Oh no, it is not proper or sensible to expect to paint well after such experiences’.

Prior to the First World War Spencer had painted some of his most spiritual and lauded works of art set within Cookham, the village of his birth, and it was with great reluctance that he left for war in 1915 initially joining  the Royal Army Medical Corps and eventually serving in the front line in Macedonia.  On his return he soon forsook an official war work commission amidst fears that he had lost his artistic vision.