SIR STANLEY SPENCER, R.A. (1891-1959)

Richard Carline suggests that the present work is likely to be a scene in Cookham Church. Following the death of his brother Sydney in action in 1918, Spencer became resolved to one day build a memorial chapel. The resulting Sandham Memorial Chapel at Burghclere (completed in 1932), would become one of the most singular and captivating memorials of the First World War. It is clear from the present drawing that Spencer already had plans in mind for a series of frescoes in a chapel before he embarked upon the Sandham Memorial Chapel (see K. Bell, exhibition catalogue, Sir Stanley Spencer, R.A.: A collection of paintings and drawings, London, Piccadilly Gallery, 1978, n.p.)

We are very grateful to Professor Keith Bell for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.