Study for the Leeds Decoration, recto; Study of a Woman's Head, verso

In 1920 Michael Sadler tried to persuade the Leeds City authorities to commission a series of large scale works for the decoration of Leeds Town Hall. Sadler chose six artists, including Spencer, to produce rough sketches. Spencer visited Leeds and was inspired by the city and decided to use the theme of the washing day in the slum for his composition. The commission was never carried out as Sadler's project fell through.
(see K. Bell, Stanley Spencer, R.A., Royal Academy Exhibition Catalogue, 1980, p.61).