William Augustus Spencer (1855-1912)
of 36 Avenue Henri Martin, Paris & 71 East 82nd Street, New York City
He maintained an apartment in New York but his principal residence (see images) was in Paris. He and his wife were passionate book collectors. He lost his life on the Titanic, his wife and her maid were rescued by a lifeboat.
In 1913, after his death aboard the Titanic, his book collection was given to the New York Public Library. Most of the volumes were bound on Spencer's request, and include at least one binding designed by him. They represent the work of some of the pre-eminent French binders of his time, including Canape, Capé, Chambolle-Duru, Gruel, Joly, Lortic, Mercier and Marius Michel. The Spencer Collection was accompanied by an endowment, the mission of which is to acquire, "the finest illustrated books that can be procured, of any country and in any language, bound in handsome bindings...containing the original designs, drawings or paintings made by the illustrator."
In 1913, after his death aboard the Titanic, his book collection was given to the New York Public Library. Most of the volumes were bound on Spencer's request, and include at least one binding designed by him. They represent the work of some of the pre-eminent French binders of his time, including Canape, Capé, Chambolle-Duru, Gruel, Joly, Lortic, Mercier and Marius Michel. The Spencer Collection was accompanied by an endowment, the mission of which is to acquire, "the finest illustrated books that can be procured, of any country and in any language, bound in handsome bindings...containing the original designs, drawings or paintings made by the illustrator."
