Richard Spare

Richard Spare, born in 1951 in Chelmsford, is an artist and master printmaker who studied painting at Maidstone College of Art.

Spare’s work, that spans drypoint, etching, drawing and painting is largely inspired by his travels, his love of nature, and the garden he designed at his studio in Charlton, UK. Filled with hollyhocks, foxgloves, poppies and wisteria, the artist’s garden is a haven for wildlife and has been the starting point for many of his prints.

As master printmaker Spare editioned work for many leading contemporary artists, including David Hockney, Robert Ryman, Francesco Clemente, Donald Sultan and Keith Haring. In 1977 he worked as David Hockney’s assistant, setting up his etching studio, and in 1988 he spent several months in New York working with Jasper Johns, proofing and editioning complex carborundum prints.

Spare’s work has been exhibited widely nationally and internationally, including extensively across Japan, a country whose art and traditions continue to be an abiding influence for the artist. His work has also been included in many group shows, including as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions, and the Mall Galleries ‘Discerning Eye’ exhibitions. His work is included in many UK public collections including: The Victoria & Albert Museum, British Library, Museum of London, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Royal Cornwall Museum, Trevelyan College, University of Durham, Aston University, Chelmsford Museum, Penlee House Museum and Gallery, Leeds Art Gallery, Maidstone Museum, Imperial Health Charity, Art in Healthcare. Spare’s work is also included in the collections of the Central and Regional Library of Berlin, and of Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria.

Richard Spare lives and works in London.