Stanley Spencer, the wayward genius of modern British painting, hasn't lost his 'rough edges', despite being taken up by the smart set. Married to Hilda, a gifted painter in her own right, he nevertheless falls head over heels for Patricia, a family friend and defiantly unconventional lesbian who is incapable of loving him. He eventually divorces Hilda in favour of Patricia, who inveigles him to sign over his financial affairs to her, thus leaving Hilda completely bereft.