Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash From the N.E.

William Spreat's work was highly regarded during his lifetime and he was a member of several photographic societies, including the Royal Photographic Society. He exhibited his photographs at numerous exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Great Exhibition of 1862. Spreat's photographic portraits were noted for their clarity and detail, and he was able to capture the personality and character of his subjects. His landscape photographs often featured dramatic skies and atmospheric lighting, while his architectural studies revealed the intricate details of buildings and structures. In addition to photography, Spreat was a successful businessman. He ran a photographic studio in London for many years and his work was widely distributed through publishers and photographic dealers. Today, Spreat's photographs are held in collections around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. His legacy as a pioneering photographer continues to inspire and influence contemporary photographers.