The First World War is over, and in a quiet Hampshire village, artist Stanley Spencer is working on the commission of a lifetime, painting an entire chapel in memory of a life lost in the war to end all wars. Combining his own traumatic experiences with moments of everyday redemption, the chapel will become his masterpiece.
When Elsie Munday arrives to take up position as housemaid to the Spencer family, her life quickly becomes entwined with the charming and irascible Stanley, his artist wife Hilda and their tiny daughter Shirin.
As the years pass, Elsie does her best to keep the family together even when love, obsession and temptation seem set to tear them apart…
A vivid picture of the life of painter Stanley Spencer, Stanley and Elsie reimagines real people and events, giving new insight from the perspective of a charismatic female lead.‘Seriously and sensitively imagined, Stanley and Elsie is a work of painterly beauty and deep integrity. Told by housemaid Elsie Munday, the subject of Spencer s painting Country Girl, the story brings to life Spencer s creative and emotional life, illuminating the consolations of art and its costs.’ Wendy Wallace, author of The Painted Bridge
‘An intriguing story of artistic temperament, domestic turmoil, and remembrance. Nicola Upson weaves a web of creative and private passions.’ Katie Ward, author of Girl Reading
‘A sympathetic and balanced biographical novel… affords a sensitive and valuable insight into the dynamics of the artist s life.’ Carolyn Leder, Adviser to the Stanley Spencer Gallery and former Trustee
