Early Life and Education
Sir Stanley Spencer, 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 WahooArt
To explore more of Sir Stanley Spencer's artworks, visit
his page on WahooArt, featuring a wide range of his paintings, including
The Centurion's Servant and
Zacharias and Elizabeth.
Museums Featuring Spencer's Works
Discover the Masterpieces of The Whitworth on WahooArt:The Museum Nhs Greater Glasgow And Clyde (Glasgow, United Kingdom)