Unveiling Stanley Spencer's Giant Unfinished Masterpiece at Eye Level!

A remarkable unfinished painting by Sir Stanley Spencer, one of Britain’s most celebrated twentieth-century artists, is set to be displayed in a new and exciting way at the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham. The artwork, titled 'Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta,' stretches over five metres in length and is considered one of Spencer’s largest and most ambitious pieces. What makes this painting especially interesting is that it remains incomplete, with visible pencil outlines showing where Spencer intended to add more figures and details. The scene captures people in wooden boats on a river, with others watching from the bank, and a man in the foreground holding oars, paddles, and a mop. These unfinished sections offer a unique glimpse into the artist’s creative process and planning.

Sir Stanley Spencer was born and lived in Cookham, and he often used the village as the setting for his most famous works, many of which depict biblical stories. He spent seven years working on 'Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta' before his death in 1959, but never finished it. For more than a decade, the painting has been displayed in an elevated position, making it difficult for visitors to see the details up close. Now, as part of the new exhibition titled 'Revealing Genius, Conserving Art: Stanley Spencer’s Final Masterpiece,' the painting will be shown at eye level from 6 November until 29 March 2026. This change will allow visitors to appreciate the scale and intricacies of the artwork in a way that has not been possible for years.

In addition to viewing the painting, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Spencer’s artistic techniques. Olivia Leake, a conservator in her final year at the Courtauld Institute of Art, will be working in the gallery to study the canvas and uncover more about Spencer’s methods. Amanda Bradley Petitgas, the gallery’s curator, explained that this painting is both triumphant and nostalgic, as it reflects Spencer’s return to the religious visions of his youth in Cookham. The painting was previously displayed at the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition, but this new presentation aims to deepen public understanding of Spencer’s creative journey. The gallery encourages anyone with stories or information related to the exhibition to get in touch with BBC Berkshire. Through this special display, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for Sir Stanley Spencer’s legacy and the artistic heritage of Cookham.