Stanley Spencer chapel paintings

Stanley Spencer was commissioned to provide wall paintings for a chapel built in commemoration of the patrons' son, who was killed in the First World War. These are among Spencer's most highly regarded works, but as the chapel is quite remote and has limited access they are also among the least known to the general public. The chapel is currently undergoing renovation, so the paintings are on show (free) at Somerset House until they can be returned to their original setting. The only exception is the large altarpiece, deemed to difficult to move. This is represented by a very realistic life-size photo projection. The paintings have been hung in way that approximates their original placement in the chapel, and, without having seen the original setting, I could well imagine they give a good impression of an actual visit.

I have to admit (again) that I am not really a fan of Spencer, but these paintings did impress me much more than other works of his I have seen. I still don't like what I see as the false naivity of his style, but these large works showed that he was a master of composition. All the canvases are very busy with all sorts of activities, but the overall effect is balanced and coherent, and frequently very moving in a matter-of-fact kind of way. This compositional skill meant the largest work, the altarpiece, had the look of an Old Master without in any way being a pastiche.

The altarpiece

It helped that the organisers had produced a booklet explaining each of the scenes - all based on Spencer's own war experiences - and that the space was the right shape for the chapel-like hang (no doubt a reason why it had been chosen). All in all, a very useful and enlightening opportunity to see Spencer in a new light.

You