The exhibition Love, Art, Loss: The Wives of Stanley Spencer opened in mid-August .

Spencer’s work was dominated by his relationships with his two wives, Hilda Carline and Patricia Preece.  Their joint lives form a compelling art historical and human story.  Add to this Spencer’s passion for his home village of Cookham and his spiritual and physical need for all three inspirations of his art and this exhibition is an unmissable event.

Highlights are Hilda Carline’s defiant early self-portrait (on loan from Tate), Spencer’s own portrait of Patricia Preece (on loan from Southampton City Art Gallery) and a rarely seen self-portrait from Patrica Preece’s partner Dorothy Hepworth.  Other works are from the Stanley Spencer Gallery collection, private owners and other galleries.

There will be Covid-19  restrictions in place.  Only 10 visitors will be allowed at any one time on a first come first served basis.   A one way system is in place, sanitiser (provided) and face masks are obligatory, NHS Track and Trace information will be collected.  Your safety and the safety of our volunteers is paramount.