Basic Biographical Details | Name: | Leonard John Smith | | Designation: | Artist | | Born: | 20 July 1885 | | Died: | 8 April 1957 | | Bio Notes: | Leonard John Smith was born on 20 July 1885. He attended the Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen from 1902-3 until 1907-8 where he had a reputation as a fine draughtsman. Classes he attended included history of achitecture, antique drawing, mechanics, life drawing and architecture. He was articled to Kelly & Nicol from 1890 and after completing his articles, remained with the practice until 1902. 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 1933 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 Addresses| The following private or business addresses are associated with this artist: | | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes |  | 24, Gladstone Place, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | 1902 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployers| The following individuals or organisations employed or trained this artist (click on an item to view details): | | | Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | | Kelly & Nicol | | | Apprentice | |
ReferencesBibliographic References| The following books contain references to this artist: | | | 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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