We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Pierre Spake — husband to Anna, father to Claire and James, and friend and colleague to so many in the worlds of art and antiquarian books.

Pierre began his career in 1977 at Sotheby’s Works of Art department. In the 1980s, having established himself as a respected dealer in antiquarian books and manuscripts, he later expanded his interests to include 19th-century photography and modern British figurative art.

As many who knew Pierre will attest, he was also possessed of a great personal enthusiasm for objects related to the bare-knuckle era of boxing. The vast collection of 18th- and 19th-century prints, paintings and ephemera that he assembled over the course of his life is today widely considered to be the finest in private hands. His final months were devoted to producing a book that would properly document this collection. The meticulously curated Bare-Knuckle Boxing: The British Prize Ring 1740–1890 will stand as a lasting tribute. We are so happy that he got to see the finished books before he died.

Pierre brought such terrific energy and colour to so many lives. He could find beauty anywhere, and took great joy in sharing his findings with others. We will all miss him enormously.

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