Bucknell, Leonard Holcombe (L.H.) 1887 - 1963

Leonard Holcombe Bucknell [also known as L.H. Bucknell] was born in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England in 1887. He was articled to Alexander Gordon Hennell (1838-1915) and Alexander Robert Hennell of Hennell & Son from 1903 to 1910 during which time he also studied at King's College, University of London (1904-08) and the Royal Academy Schools in London (1908-13). After leaving Hennell's office he worked as an assistant to Henry Vaughan Lanchester (1863-1953) and Edwin Alfred Rickards (1872-1920) of Lanchester & Rickards, and to Edwin Alfred Rickards (1872-1920).  

Bucknell qualified as an architect in 1912 and was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) in 1913 and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1930.  He was a Godwin Bursar in 1925. He was an authority on industrial architecture and wrote numerous articles on the subject. He also wrote the introduction to 'Industrial Architecture', edited by C.G. Holme (London: The Studio, 1935). During the 1920s he taught town planning at the Architectural Association in London.

In addition to his work as an architect, Bucknell designed ceramics. A photograph of a dinner service decorated with 'Somerset' pattern, designed by him for Josiah Wedgwood & Sons is illustrated in 'Decorative Art' 1933 (p.78); and a photograph of tableware with a design by him on Wedgwood celadon is illustrated in 'Decorative Art' 1934 (p.130).  Bucknell exhibited at the Royal Academy in London from 1928 onwards.

His address was given as 12, Fordwych Road, West Hampstead, London, in 1913 and 1914; 34, Bedford Square, London in 1923 and 1926; 70 Castallion Mansions, Maida Vale, London and 104 Great Russell Street, London in 1931; and 7 Bedford Square, London in 1835 and 1939. He died on 18 October 1963.