Gilbert Spencer:
The Artist's Daughter, Gillian
Framed (ref: 9252)
Signed and dated 1942

Tags: Gilbert Spencer pencil illustration portraits Gilbert Spencer

Provenance: The Artists Daughter; thence by descent

Speaking on Gilbert Spencer's work, John Rothenstein wrote that “[His portraits] are notable for the quality of the insight into character that they show – an insight in which remorselessness candour is tempered by the warmest affection – and for the fineness of the heads’ construction.“ Modern English Painters,1952.

Through their communal up bringing and Slade School training, the work of the Gilbert and Stanley Spencer is clearly united by a common thread – manifest in their devotion to accurate observation, intense sincerity and impeccable technique. Gilbert proved an accomplished portraitist, painting prominent figures, rural and urban workers, as well as many images of family and friends. 

The artist's daughter, Gillian, was born on October 21st, 1936, so would have been around twelve at the time of this sitting.