The Legend of Balliol: modello for north wall

One of a set of four modellos for The Legend of Balliol murals. The four panels were probably fitted together as the three-dimensional ‘Sketch model of the projected decoration for the new Common Room at Balliol College, Oxford’, exhibited at the Leicester Galleries in 1934 (no. 40), but were individually framed soon afterwards. They represent the final designs as executed. The modellos were acquired by John Bryson (1896-1976), who was a Lecturer in English Literature at Balliol while Spencer was painting the murals. He was also an art collector, who bequeathed several paintings to museums.

Date: c. 1933-4
Tags: Mural, Oil
Medium: Oil on panel
Height (mm): 318
Width (mm): 737
Location: Balliol College, Oxford
Exhibition History: Probably Leicester Galleries 1934 (40); Reading 1964 (43)
Provenance: John Bryson; Balliol College, Oxford