“The Lovers” by Sir Stanley Spencer, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Stanley Spencer had a deep feeling for the everyday life of his home village of Cookham in Berkshire, and often saw it in terms of Bible events. The dustman in the centre of this picture is being joyfully reunited with his wife after the Last Judgement. Spencer has included thrown-away cabbage leaves and a teapot as he felt that they were ‘reminders of home life and peace, and are worthy of being adored as the dustman is’ The interlocking pattern of people and things is characteristic of Spencer’ style.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Sir Stanley Spencer RA (1891-1959)
Date: 1934

Image details
Date: 14 June 2019
Camera body: iPhone 7 Plus
Lens: Wide Camera 28mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 28mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/16s
ISO: 80
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.