British Impressionist Landscape avant-garde artist Spencer Frederick Gore

The vibrant art movement in Letchworth Garden City took root in its formative years, drawing in distinguished artists eager to contribute to its creative spirit. Among them were Harold Gilman, celebrated for his evocative portrait and landscape paintings, and Spencer Frederick Gore, a leading figure in British Landscape Impressionism. Their involvement helped shape the town into a thriving centre for artistic innovation.

vation.

SPENCER WILLIAM GORE (1878–1914): Artist and Innovator

Spencer William Gore was born on 26 May 1878 in Epsom, Surrey, as the fourth child of Spencer William Gore (1850–1906) and Amy Gore (née Smith). His father, a partner in Smith, Gore & Co., played a notable role as a land agent in Yorkshire and even made sporting history by winning the first Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship in 1877. Gore spent his early years in the peaceful surroundings of Holywell, Kent. His education at Harrow School from 1892 to 1896 was especially formative—here, he uncovered his passion for art, earning the inaugural Yates Thompson Prize for drawing. Like his father, Gore was also a talented sportsman, excelling in cricket during his school years.

Gore honed his artistic talents at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art from 1896 to 1899, where he formed a lasting friendship with fellow artist Harold Gilman. In 1902, he broadened his artistic horizons with a trip to Madrid, accompanied by Wyndham Lewis, another Slade alumnus. Gore’s visionary spirit led him to propose the formation of the Camden Town Group, an influential collective that sparked lively debate within the art community. In 1904, Albert Rutherston introduced Gore to Walter Sickert in Dieppe. Impressed by the energy and ambition of London’s younger artists, Sickert was inspired to return to England, thanks in part to Gore’s encouragement after a decade-long absence.

As a founder and later President of the Camden Town Group, Gore played a central role in shaping early 20th-century British art. His dedication was recognised in 1911 with his only solo exhibition during his lifetime at the Chenil Gallery in Chelsea. Gore and Sickert enjoyed a close and collaborative relationship, often painting together in the vibrant setting of Mornington Crescent. Over time, Gore’s artistic journey led him away from pure impressionism, as he explored a boldly modern style and became a champion of avant-garde art, fostering creativity and experimentation among his peers.
In 1912, Gore showcased his leadership and creative flair by organising modern decorations for the renowned nightclub, The Cave of the Golden Calf. He assembled a talented team, including members of the Camden Town Group, such as Gilman, Ginner, Lewis, Jacob Epstein, and Eric Gill. That same year, his works were featured in Roger Fry’s prestigious Second Post-Impressionist Exhibition. Always eager to unite the artistic community, Gore orchestrated the landmark 1913 exhibition, ‘English Post-Impressionists, Cubists and Others,’ which brought together a rich tapestry of styles and voices from London’s avant-garde scene.

Also in 1912, Gore spent time in the newly established town of Letchworth Garden City. Inspired by its innovative spirit and picturesque surroundings, he produced some of the most remarkable landscape paintings of his career, distinguished by their stylised forms and vibrant colours.

In 1913, Gore and his young family moved to Richmond, where he continued to paint with passion and dedication, often braving the elements in Richmond Park to capture its natural beauty. Sadly, his promising life and career were cut short when he died of pneumonia in March 1914, at the height of his artistic achievements. Despite his early passing, Gore’s legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of artists.

The Cinder Path is part of the Tate Britain Collection, dated 1975.

The Cinder Path Spencer Frederick Gore 1912 — The Cinder Path, 20th century (oil on canvas) by Gore, Spencer Frederick (1878-1914); 35×40 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, UK; English, out of copyright.

Date: 1912 Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 68.7cm x 78.7cm

BUY NOW Collectors’ limited edition print

The composition of the dark grey footpath leads the viewer directly away from the town visible on the horizon. Gore was a keen observer and accurate topographer who took an essential naturalist approach to landscape painting. The Cinder Path is located on the outskirts of Letchworth. Gore’s perspective means that the path, made of industrial waste, recedes vertically into the middle distance, and the fields and hedges arranged around it.

The Icknield Way Spencer Frederick Gore 1912 — Oil on canvas was painted in 1912 at the Art Gallery of South Wales, Australia. Purchased in 1962, **BUY NOW Collectors’ limited edition print**.

The Cinder Path is located on the walkway at the edge of Letchworth Garden City, offering a scenic view of the unfolding landscape in the distance towards Hitchin. (Take a visit into the past and enjoy The Garden City’s Greenway Walk; click the link for a map.