Minister Intervenes to Prevent Iconic British Modernist Artwork from Exiting the UK

The UK Government has intervened to prevent a painting from the First World War era by Stanley Spencer from being permanently removed from the country, aiming instead to ensure that a UK gallery or institution can preserve this national treasure for future generations.

Stanley Spencer (1891-1959), a distinguished British artist, is celebrated as one of the leading modern artists in the UK. His body of work includes a significant series focused on the theme of resurrection, which played a pivotal role in shaping British Modernism. Among these creations, “The Resurrection of the Good and the Bad” stands out as his inaugural exploration of this profound subject. Should it be acquired by a UK museum or gallery, it would become the earliest publicly held example of Spencer’s Resurrection paintings, offering an invaluable resource for understanding his artistic engagement with this theme.

Government Action to Preserve Cultural Heritage

The government’s decision to impose a temporary export ban on the painting allows museums and galleries the necessary time to raise funds for its acquisition, with the hope of keeping this significant work within the UK and accessible to the public.

Created in 1915, before Spencer’s service in the First World War, the painting offers a unique insight into the artist’s beliefs during a tumultuous period as the realities of war began to encroach on his life, yet before he experienced combat first-hand.

This diptych, which spans two panels, features the figures of the Good on the left, representing those rising on the Day of Judgement, while the figures of the Bad are depicted on the right. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, with each panel measuring approximately 80 x 63 cm.

Voices from the Arts Community

Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie expressed hope that the export restriction would facilitate public access to this major work by one of the twentieth century’s most significant British artists.

Mark Hallett, a member of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), remarked on the importance of Spencer, stating, “The Resurrection of the Good and the Bad, created in 1915, marks his initial serious engagement with a theme that would become central to his art and philosophy. Many of Spencer’s acclaimed works, such as Tate’s ‘The Resurrection, Cookham’ from 1924-27, revolve around this biblical narrative, transposed into various modern British contexts. This particular diptych is vital for a deeper understanding of Spencer’s artistic practice and merits further research. It is crucial that we strive to retain it within the UK.”

Next Steps for Potential Purchasers

The Minister’s decision follows the guidance of the RCEWA, which recommended the export ban based on the painting’s exceptional significance to the study of Stanley Spencer’s work and his interpretation of the Resurrection theme.

The export licence application for the painting will be deferred until 10 December 2026, allowing interested parties to express their intent to purchase the artwork. Following this initial deferral period, the current owners will have 15 business days to evaluate any offers for the painting, which is priced at £450,000. Should an Option Agreement be signed, a second deferral period of four months will ensue.

Contact Information for Interested Buyers

Individuals or organisations keen on acquiring the painting are encouraged to reach out to the RCEWA via telephone at 02072680534 or email at rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.

Details of the artwork are as follows: “The Resurrection of the Good and the Bad”; Oil on canvas, diptych; 635 x 787 mm (each panel); Created in 1915.

Provenance includes: Purchased from the artist by James Wood in 1915; subsequently owned by Elizabeth Wood, UK; Browse and Darby, London; then a private collection in the UK from 1980; and finally acquired by the current owner in 2026.

The RCEWA, an independent body supported by Arts Council England (ACE), advises the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the national importance of cultural objects intended for export based on established criteria.