The collection offers an intimate window into Spencer’s most poignant relationships and pivotal moments in his career. Alongside paintings and drawings are objects of personal memorabilia: his well-worn artist’s palettes, an intimate letter written to Hilda, and the Bible he received upon entering the 9th Battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment in 1918. These items allow us to trace the deeply spiritual and emotional undercurrents of his artistic practice.

A Cookham Childhood

Sir Stanley Spencer (1891–1959) was profoundly shaped by his childhood in the village of Cookham, Berkshire. Born into a large and musical family - his father was a piano teacher and devout Christian - Spencer grew up immersed in parish life, sacred music, and the rhythms of rural England. This upbringing instilled in him a sense of spiritual wonder and a reverence for everyday surroundings, which became central to his artistic vision.

Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere

Included in the collection is Stanley Spencer’s bible that he received in 1918 on entering the 9^th battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, British Salonika Forces. Spencer’s harrowing experiences in World War I - first as a medical orderly in Bristol and later as a soldier on the Salonika front - profoundly impacted his work. The trauma and intensity of war deepened his religious convictions and intensified his desire to explore themes of suffering, resurrection, and redemption. This spiritual response to the war culminated in one of his most celebrated achievements: the decoration of Sandham Memorial Chapel at Burghclere, completed in 1932. Inspired by Giotto’s frescoes in Padua and commissioned as a memorial to the ‘forgotten dead’ of World War I who were not mentioned on official memorials, the series of paintings draws on Stanley’s personal experiences as a soldier on the Salonika front and also as a medical orderly at the Beaufort Hospital in Bristol. The works are highly detailed, focusing on everyday activities rather than the horrors of war to celebrate human endurance, divine presence, and the dignity of everyday life in the face of suffering. The Chapel was made possible by the patronage of Louis and Mary Behrend. The series of 19 paintings took six years to complete.

Stanley and Hilda

Spencer’s deep emotional and artistic connection to Hilda Carline is another central theme in both his life and this collection. Stanley Spencer accompanied Hilda and her family on a trip to Yugoslavia in 1922. The pair enjoyed painting on holiday together and would produce works side by side studying the minarets and architecture of Sarajevo. One of Stanley Spencer’s most pivotal works from this period is held by Southwark Council. In 1925, Spencer married Hilda, and their daughters Shirin and Unity were born in the following years.

The Resurrection, Cookham

His first major solo exhibition at the Goupil Gallery in 1927 featured The Resurrection, Cookham, a monumental work purchased by the Tate Gallery. It remains a central piece in understanding Spencer’s vision: Christ’s resurrection not in Jerusalem, but in the churchyard of his beloved village. By 1932, Spencer had returned to Cookham, now represented by Dudley Tooth, and continued to work prolifically. The unfinished work Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta (1952-1959) is currently included at the Stanley Spencer Gallery’s present exhibition ‘That Marvellous Atmosphere: Stanley Spencer and Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta’ in Cookham. The work depicts Christ preaching to the villagers beside the Ferry Hotel. The study of The Hotel Keeper’s Wife is currently included in the exhibition and displayed alongside the full composition. The work will be removed from the exhibition ready for auction. This is also the case for Sailor Figurehead with Union Jack shown below.

A Familial Thread

The theme of family lies at the heart of this private collection, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal relationships that shaped the artistic world of Sir Stanley Spencer and those closest to him. Early works by George Carline tenderly depict his daughter, Hilda, playing on the beach - capturing moments of childhood with warmth and affection. This familial thread continues with portraits of Shirin and Unity, the daughters of Stanley and Hilda, rendered by both parents. These works speak to the deep emotional bonds and mutual artistic admiration within the family. Particularly poignant are Stanley Spencer’s portraits of Hilda, which reflect his profound love and reverence for her, even amid the complexities of their relationship. Also featured is a double-sided oil on board of Shirin Spencer by both Stanley and his brother Gilbert, further underscoring the family’s interwoven artistic legacy.

Stanley would go on to be awarded the CBE and a knighthood, before passing away in 1959. The upcoming auction offers a rare chance to own works of art by one of Britain's most important 20th century artists. 

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Auction details

Thursday 10 July, 10,30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING IN LONDON (HIGHLIGHTS)
Friday 27 June: 10am-4pm
Monday 30 June: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 1 July: 10am-4pm

VIEWING IN NEWBURY (FULL SALE)
Sunday 6 July: 10am-3pm
Monday 7 July: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 8 July: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 9 July: 10am-4pm

FURTHER INFORMATION: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | pictures@dreweatts.com
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