Our Archive

The Gallery holds a fascinating collection of material relating to Spencer's life and works which is available for viewing on the mezzanine level of the refurbished Gallery.

There is a large library of books written about Stanley Spencer, a series of files of press cuttings and articles written during and since the artist's lifetime, copies of student theses and essays on many aspects of his art. There are written memories by those who knew the man himself and copies of his own letters and jottings. Of great interest to Spencer scholars will be the photographs and transcripts of letters written by Spencer to his friend Desmond Chute during the First World War.

There is also much information about the Gallery itself, including copies of all the catalogues of exhibitions held since it was opened in 1962. In the future more archive material will be accessible through the computer terminals in the Gallery. For the time being albums of photographs of Stanley Spencer are available to view by appointment and CDs of Cookham residents recalling the artist working in the village can be borrowed (also by appointment).

Any queries regarding the archives should be made to:
Ann Danks 01628 482715.