Spence, John

Introduction:

JOHN SPENCE (1758-1829) is a relatively recent discovery for collectors. In 1978 McKechnie mentioned a single profile stamped on its wooden backboard "I. SPENCE. CHESTER.". She was uncertain whether he was an artist or framer. Research in 2022 discovered he was both.

Since 1978, 2 further likenesses were sold at Sothebys (Torquay) in July 1980 and a group of 5 portraits of the Lovett family of Chirk, Denbighshire were recorded in 2002. All were housed in identical frames, all bore Spence's stamp and all were cut with considerable skill. In 2022, 2 further Lovett family members: Thomas Lovett (1749-1801), a J.P. and mayor of Oswestry, and his wife, Mary née Jones have come to light, though both were housed in later frames of ebonised wood. With only 10 recorded works, his profiles are extremely rare, as all available evidence indicates he likely only cut profiles for approximately 2 years.

A CHESTER COURANT advertisement of the 3rd of April 1789 proves his occupation to have been "Round and Oval [wood] Turnery",- In it, Spence solicits for continued patronage for his business. No mention is made of profile likenesses, nor have any Spence "profile" advertisements been recorded. However, it would appear from his occupation and his stamp that his likenesses were housed in his own frames.

Recent research found the Spence family widely embedded in Chester records from the early 17th century. John Spence was the eldest child of cordwainer William Spence (1726-85) and Elizabeth Johnson (1719-91). An epitaph in Chester's cathedral church of St. Oswalds states William Spence was "...allowed to have one of the strongest and finest bass voices in the Kingdom", while John Spence's uncle Thomas Spence (1721-1809) was cathedral organist, clerk and, according to his obituary in the CHESTER CHRONICLE in February 1809, "...venerable father of the choir".

John Spence's wife Mary (1774-1812) gave birth to 4 sons and 3 daughters between 1788 and 1799. It would seem only William, baptised in September 1797, survived to adulthood but he appears to have inherited more than a modicum of artistry from his father.

According to his obituary in the CHESTER CHRONICLE of the 13th of July 1849, William Spence "...exhibited so much ability in drawing and modelling at the age of 14, that he was ever afterwards patronised by the late WILLIAM ROSCOE Esq. of Liverpool...where after a few years he attained a very high position in his profession". [Wm. Roscoe (1753-1831) was a Liverpool lawyer, slavery abolitionist and art collector]

William Spence's "profession" was as a sculptor. Well patronised and Liverpool-based, he also co-owned a Liverpool marble works where, according to a December 1820 advertisement in the LIVERPOOL MERCURY  "...every article connected with the marble business..." could be purchased.

Two of William Spence's sons were also gifted. John Charles Spence (1830-90) became an ornamental/stained glass manufacturer and designer, emigrated to Canada in the early 1850s, and pioneered the business in the country. A second son, Benjamin Evans Spence (1822-66) exhibited sculptures at 5 Royal Academy exhibitions and has an entry in the OXFORD DICTIONARY OF NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY.

John Spence's obituary was published in the CHESTER CHRONICLE on the 22nd of May 1829. "17th inst. Mr. JOHN SPENCE turner of this city, aged 71; he was universally esteemed for integrity and uprightness of character". He was buried on May the 23rd at St. Oswalds.

NOTE - Several Spence profiles are illustrated in the SCC NEWSLETTER April 2003 at the foot of this page.

Revised 7 October 2022 (Brian Wellings)