Gervase Spencer

[1] Originally a footman to a "Dr W," Spencer taught himself the art of painting in watercolour on ivory, and was encouraged by his employer.

Spencer trained Henry Spicer (1743 - 1804) and possibly Penelope Carwardine (1729 - 1804) to continue the tradition and art of miniatures on enamel and ivory.

Spencer met many of the leading London artists of his days including Sir Joshua Reynods (1732 - 1792) who took his portrait.

His status was such that in 1763, the year of his death, he was one of only twenty-four miniaturists listed in Mortimer's Universal Director, a directory of leading professionals of all trades.

[4] He was a very fair artist and generally signed his works G. S.[5] Spencer married her intimate friend and his only daughter had a husband whose surname was Lloyd.