François Spiering (also spelt Spierincx) was a Flemish weaver, active in Delft. He arrived in Delft 1591, became member of the Guild in 1613. In his successful tapestry workshop he produced figurative (pictorial) tapestries. He was visited in 1598 by the diarist Aernout van Buchell (1565?-1641) who in his diary raved about the pictorial quality and colour which was - he wrote - nearly as good as that of oil paints. From 1592 onwards Spiering's workshop was located at St Agnes convent or Agnietenklooster - alias Spierinxklooster - at the last block of houses of Oosteinde, south side, near East gate. This building measured 6 by 8 meters, having bare walls. It was given to him free of rent as the Town of Delft valued his workshop activities. From 1599 onwards he rented a yard connected to the St Agnes convent. He employed, each for a certain time, the painters/designers Hendrick Cornelisz. Vroom and Karel van Mander the Elder. The workshop was continued by his sons Aert Spiering and Pieter Spiering. Spiering owned an art collection which boasted fine prints and drawings including works from Italy and a superb collection of Lucas van Leyden. This collection was transferred by his sons to The Hague in 1638. //