Basic Biographical Details Name: | Leonard John Smith | Designation: | | Born: | 20 July 1885 | Died: | 8 April 1957 | Bio Notes: | Leonard John Smith was born on 20 July 1885, the son of John Smith, jeweller, of the firm A & J Smith. He attended Aberdeen Grammar School from 1890 to 1902 and studied at Gray's School of Art from 1902 where he had a reputation as a fine draughtsman. Classes he attended included history of architecture, antique drawing, mechanics, life drawing and architecture. He was articled to Kelly & Nicol from about 1902 and after completing his articles, remained with the practice as an assistant until 1907-8. He was a keen sportsman and played for Aberdeen Grammar School FPs rugby team after leaving school.
Smith emigrated to Canada leaving on 28 May 1910 on the SS Southwark bound for Montreal. He moved to Toronto and practised there until 1914 when he returned to the United Kingdom to join the 51st Divisional Signal Co, Royal Engineers, commanding the 153rd (Gordon) Brigade Section continuously from May 1915 until severely wounded in March 1918. He was awarded the MC for gallantry in June 1917.
After the cease of hostilities, he returned to North America and spent a number of years in New York and Toronto where he specialised in ornamental work. He returned to London in 1923 and produced much 'vivid and amusing work' in black and white, much of which appeared anonymously in newspapers and journals. He also exhibited watercolours, etchings and drawings in 'silverpoint' in London and on the Continent. During the First World War the 51st Highland Division adopted him as its official artist and he produced may lively sketches, some of which are now in the National Library of Scotland.
Smith died in Bexhill, Sussex on 8 April 1957.
| Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | 24, Gladstone Place, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | 1902 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployersThe following individuals or organisations employed or trained this (click on an item to view details): | | Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | | Kelly & Nicol | c. 1902 | | Apprentice | |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | Simpson, W Douglas | | A tribute offered by the University of Aberdeen to the memory of William Kelly LLD ARSA | | | Fenton Wyness's copy containing obituary pasted in at front. (Per Morag Cross).
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Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Aberdeen Journal | 21 November 1906 | | | | | Aberdeen Journal | 8 June 1917 | | | | | Aberdeen Weekly Journal | 7 September 1939 | | | |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | www.findmypast.co.uk | Travel & Emigration records | | |
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