Painter, mainly of landscapes, although he painted many portraits of people he knew, educated at Bootham School in York. He was largely self-taught, but spent about nine months at Belfast College of Art when a young man and took a few lessons from Frank McKelvey. Spence was a knowledgeable collector of miniatures, from which he derived a keen eye for detail in his own work. As a linen manufacturer he travelled widely, always carried his painting gear with him, and painted on the spot, savouring the atmosphere of the scene. Showed at RA, RHA, RBA, RUA and had several solo shows. Lived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for many years.