Landscape painter in oil and watercolour, poster designer, teacher and lino-cut artist, born in London. Was educated at the William Morris School, Walthamstow, where he studied at the School of Art, but claimed to be mainly self-taught. From 1911 designed posters, working chiefly for London Transport, until 1944. In World War I served in Army. Made sketches on active service which were later worked up into 90 paintings, presented to Imperial War Museum. Spradbery became lifelong pacifist, active in the World War II peace movement. In 1929 married the opera singer Dorothy d’Orsay. He settled in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, where he was one of the founders of the Community Centre. Taught watercolour classes at Walthamstow Education Settlement, 1921–64, and widely elsewhere.