Charles Spencelayh

Charles Spencelayh (1865 – 1958) was an English painter. Born in Rochester, Kent, he first studied at the National Art Training School, South Kensington ^[1]. He also studied in Paris but exhibited mainly in Britain. Between 1892 and 1958, he exhibited more than 30 paintings at the Royal Academy, including ‘Why War’ (1939) ^[2] , which won the Royal Academy ‘Picture of the Year’ for 1939. He was also a founder member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters. Many of his subjects were of domestic scenes, painted with an almost photographic detail, such as ‘The Laughing Parson’ (1935)^[3] and His Daily Ration (1946)^[4]. He also painted still life subjects including ‘Apples’ (1951). Spencelayh was a favourite of Queen Mary, who was an avid collector of his work. In 1924 he painted a miniature of King George V for Queen Mary’s dolls house.

Notes

1. Now the Royal College of Art
2. Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Preston, Lancashire
3. The Grundy Art Galley, Blackpool, Lancashire
4. Nottingham City Museums & Art Galleries

Further Reading

• Aubrey Noakes 'Spencelayh' ISBN 978-1-904449-49-2