Stanley Spencer Gallery

About

The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in heaven’ where Spencer was born and painted for most of his life.   Established in 1962 the building was transformed ten years ago into a magnificent modern art museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Spencer paintings, drawings, personal letters, photographs, press cuttings and books.

Visitor attractions: film and audio guide; exhibition catalogue; self-guided walk pamphlet; free children’s activity booklet; gift shop.

Seeing the Unseen | 7 November 2024 to 30 March 2025

"Everything has a sort of double meaning for me, there's the ordinary everyday meaning of things, and the imaginary meaning about it all, and I wanted to bring these things together." Stanley Spencer (1891 – 1959).

Spencer spoke of his desire to ‘marry’ his works; to ’marry’ his subjects to Cookham and often to a religious experience. He painted what he loved – his compelling motivation for creating some of the most extraordinary art of the 20th century.

Using the collection of the Stanley Spencer Gallery this new exhibition, Seeing the Unseen, looks at what inspired him and shows how his reality merged with his imagination. It also invites the viewer to look with their own eyes beyond what they see, just as Spencer did.

Group and corporate visits

Group and corporate visits are welcome, with many excellent hostelries nearby. A popular stopping point for coach tours, highly informative and rewarding talks can be arranged and guided walks to the village and countryside where Spencer painted.

Lecture rooms for corporate visits are available by arrangement with the nearby Chartered Institute of Marketing.