Pierre Spake (OK 1972)

Pierre Spake (OK 1972) died peacefully at his home in Norfolk on 4th September 2026, following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife, Anna, and his children, Claire and James.

Pierre attended King’s from 1963 to 1972. Remembered as a striking, kind and gentle presence, he flourished under the guidance of Bob Holloway in the Art Room and formed many lasting friendships during his years at the school. Popular and sociable, he was well known both in Wimbledon and, later, in the Norfolk village of Great Bircham, where he lived for many years.

After leaving King's, Pierre turned down a place at university to read English and American Literature, choosing instead to enrol on Sotheby's Works of Art course. He worked for a few years at Sotheby’s before embarking on a long and distinguished career as an independent dealer, initially specialising in antiquarian books and ephemera, then nineteenth-century photography and later Modern British Art.

Together with his wife Anna, Pierre exhibited at numerous art fairs held at the Saatchi Gallery in London (he will be represented there in a couple of weeks’ time on John Swarbooke’s stand), and he also ran a gallery in Norfolk. Dealing professionally since 1979, he became a familiar and respected figure at the London Photograph Fair and the British Art Fair. His expertise, keen eye and scholarly approach enabled him to identify overlooked works and uncover hidden treasures, often adding considerable value through meticulous research. He published a number of catalogues featuring photographs, manuscripts and rare books.

Those close to Pierre knew what a character he was. He was inimitable, a one off and art was one of his greatest loves. He was at his happiest rummaging through auction lots or scouring the salerooms and eBay. He had a wonderful eye and found much treasure in the most obscure of places. As well as being fun, loyal, caring and generous Pierre could also be a total nightmare and a grumpy git. Nothing made him more cross than being outbid on an auction lot or the one painting ‘that got away’. Pierre lives on in every painting or object he sourced, bought and sold.

Perhaps Pierre's most enduring passion was his remarkable collection relating to bare-knuckle boxing in Georgian England, which he spent more than three decades assembling. It would be impossible to replicate. One of his greatest achievements came in the final weeks of his life, when he and Anna completed and published a book drawing upon this lifetime of research and knowledge. Bare-Knuckle Boxing: The British Prize Ring, 1740-1890 was published just one month before Pierre’s death, providing a fitting culmination to years of dedicated scholarship. (If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Anna at 85, Stanhoe Road, Great Bircham, Norfolk, PE31 6GP.)

Pierre's legacy lives on in the many artworks, photographs, books and objects that passed through his hands, and in the friendships and memories he leaves behind.

We are grateful to Mark Taylor (OK 1972) for providing this obituary.