A south Bucks gallery marked the start of ‘The Year of Stanley Spencer’ with a new exhibition showcasing some of the best works of the world renowned artist from Cookham.
The exhibition, Stanley Spencer: Visionary Painter of the Natural World, at the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham, was attended by art enthusiasts, Sir Stanley’s family and even home secretary Theresa May.
Dr Steven Parissien, director of art gallery and museum Compton Verney in Warwickshire, who was the guest of honour, spoke of the “quintessentially English nature” of Spencer’s work and the “layers of meaning” present in Sir Stanley’s paintings.
Gallery chairman Stuart Conlin said: “It’s an extraordinary year for fans of Stanley Spencer; so much so that we have coined the phrase 'The Year of Stanley Spencer', which culminates during next year's Cookham Festival.”
The Year of Stanley Spencer will see four exhibitions, five new books and an international poetry competition dedicated to the painter.
Stanley Spencer: Visionary Painter of the Natural World, is open daily until 31st October.
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