Today I drove to Cookham with a friend. This pretty, unspoiled village by the Thames in East Berkshire is birthplace and childhood home to Stanley Spencer, one of the greatest British artists of the twentieth century. I have been learning about Stanley as a result of my involvement with Sandham Memorial Chapel. (This is the subject of a previous blog post and you can read about it here http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sandham-memorial-chapel ). This is surely one of Stanley's greatest works. So, I am keen to learn more and get a holistic view of the the artist.
Stanley loved Cookham and spent as much time there as possible throughout his life. His happy childhood here gave him comfort throughout his adult life and influences much of his work. He had an unorthodox but rich education in his own home; he did not attend school. He had a sunny and positive, highly spiritual outlook. He attended the parish church as a child but also the Weslyan Chapel which now houses the small gallery. We were lucky enough to arrive when a talk was taking place so enjoyed one hour of the the time of an art historian specialising in Spencer.
There are plenty of walks around the village, some are suggested on the gallery website, and take in Stanley's birthplace and subsequent homes. I will have to do one of these next time. I hope I can return soon, with my own art historian!
Here is my chum on the common.
To see Stanley's wonderful art visit the gallery website.
The paintings of gardens, flowers and people tend to be commissions. The artists true heart lies in the Cookham scenes, which are infused with Christian spirituality. Stanley, however, seems to me to be a Buddhist without realising it. He strives to reach spiritual perfection and sees his God in the here and now.
When I arrive home, I am provided with an well earnt American IPA. Just the one!
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