Stanley SPENCER
Born in Cookham-upon-Thames, he enrolled at the Slade in 1908, training under Brown and Tonks. Became known for his artistic drawing gift when he enlisted with the British Medical Corps in 1915. Spencer had a very limited connection with St Ives and probably visited only twice-during his honeymoon in June-July 1937, and then again the following year. Immediately he was offered membership in STISA which he accepted, keeping up membership in 1949.
In St Ives, Spencer rented a cottage from the artist John Anthony PARK. Produced six canvases of St Ives, one of which, The Harbour, St Ives, was included in the 1987 Looking West Exhibition. Involvement with STISA after 1938 was minimal. He was Knighted in 1959.
media
Painter in oils of religious, figures, landscapes and portraits
works and access
Access to Works: For listing of paintings and access to galleries, see www.stanleyspencer.org.uk
exhibitions
Royal College Of Art, 10/11/1987- Looking West Exhibition, 1987 NAG 21/09/1987- Looking West Exhibition, 1987
memberships
STISA: 1937-49; ARA (1932) RA: 1933 (resigned 1935), (Rejoined 1950)
references
Chantrey Bequest list: Tate On-line
Cork, R (1989) 'The Visual Arts' [in] B Ford (ed) The Edwardian Age and the Inter-War Years, Vol 8 Cambridge Guide to the Arts in Britain.
Hardie (2009) Artists/Newlyn & West Cornwall p347
Looking West Exh Cat
Newton et al Painting at the Edge
Stanley Spencer Gallery (Cookham)
Tovey (2000) George Fagan Bradshaw - Submariner & Marine Artist, etc. STISA Principal members list p228; (2003) Creating a Splash