Charles Spencelayh

Charles Spencelayh (1865 – 1958) was an English painter. Born in Rochester, Kent, he first studied at the National Art Training School. 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), 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 Bath’ (1900), and ‘The Laughing Parson’ (1935). 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.

References

1. 'Spencelayh' (Aubrey Noakes) ISBN 978-1-904449-49-2