Celebrate Stanley Spencer's birthday on board Alaska

About

Come to Stanley Spencer's birthday party and celebrate art, history and the beauty of the Thames at Cookham.

Join curator Dr Amy Lim on board Alaska, the oldest working steam launch on the Thames, as we steam by some favourite Cookham views.

Spencer's love of the Thames was intertwined with his artistic vision and personal identity.  Winding gracefully through Cookham it was a source of inspiration for his work and a symbol of his spiritual and emotional connection to the village of his birth.

The 2025 summer exhibition at the Gallery, A Marvellous Atmosphere: Stanley Spencer and Cookham Regatta, will reflect this connection and reunite two of his Regatta series of paintings.  The unfinished work Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta in the Gallery's own collection will hang with Dinner on the Hotel Lawn - a vibrant depiction of staff and visitors preparing for a meal at the Ferry Inn, where we board and disembark.  Choose to embark at 5pm or 6.30pm.

The Alaska, built just up river from Cookham at Bourne End in 1883, is now refurbished and once again seen on Cookham Reach, the setting of the Cookham Regatta.  It will leave from the landing stage at the Ferry.  On board you will meet Dr Amy Lim, the exhibition curator, and enjoy a welcome drink as we travel up to Cockmarsh and Winter Hill, passing the natural landscape so enjoyed by Spencer.

Returning to the Ferry Inn about an hour later, you can enjoy an optional dinner at 20% discount for attendees (please book directly with the Ferry).

Included in your ticket

• Entry to the Gallery until 545pm (opens at 10.30am)
• Board Alaska at the Ferry Inn landing stage to depart at 5pm or 6.30pm.  Please arrive at the Ferry at least 15 minutes before departure
• Welcome drink on board (plus cash bar)
• Dr Amy Lim, curator of the Regatta exhibition, will be with us
• Travel upstream to take in the views of Cockmarsh and Winter Hill
• Return to the Ferry Inn, the setting for Dinner on the Hotel Lawn.