Stanley Spencer’s Winter Wednesday Walks

Stanley Spencer’s Winter Wednesday Walks

Stanley Spencer was one of the most visionary and famous British artists of the 20th century. He is also acclaimed as highly influential on mid twentieth century painters such as Hockney, Freud, Bacon, and Emin. David Bowie was a collector of Spencer works, Billy Connolly is an enthusiast, and he is Theresa May’s favourite painter. Stanley regarded Cookham as a ‘Village in Heaven’ and continually surprises those who get to know him.

To help you get to know him, the Stanley Spencer Gallery is putting on a series of Gallery visits followed by Cookham Village walks on the first Wednesdays in December (7th), February (1st) and March (1st).

The events will start at 10.30am and cost £10 per person (a special reduction on the standard ‘talk and walk’ cost) starting at the Gallery in Cookham High Street. This cost includes entry to the Stanley Spencer Gallery, a guided tour of the winter exhibition, ‘Most Loved Works’, followed by a guided walk around Cookham Village. The walk will take in locations important to Stanley Spencer, including the location of some of his most famous paintings. ‘Friends’ of the Stanley Spencer Gallery have a 50% discount (£5.00).

The Gallery will be closed to the public on these days, so you will have exclusive access to the exhibition. Your guide will also give you the background to Stanley Spencer’s life and explain why he is considered one of Britain’s most visionary and creative artists.

Each event will last approximately two hours. There is no need to book, just turn up and pay on the day. It is hoped that this opportunity will particularly appeal to local residents who would like to know more about the village’s most famous previous resident.