Percy Lancaster was born at 35 Hulton Street, Moss Side, Chorlton, Manchester, Lancashire, England on 28 November 1878 and was articled to the architectural firm Mellors & Sutton in Southport, Lancashire, from 1893 to 1898, during which he attended he Southport School of Art. He then worked as an assistant to Frederick William Finchett (1872-1934). He subsequently practised as an architect in Southport and designed several banks (including the District Bank on Lord Street, Southport), elementary schools, and hotels and residences in many parts of Lancashire. In 1910 he was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA).
In addition to his work as an architect Lancaster was also a painter and applied artist. His work as an applied artist included metalwork, furniture and stained glass. He also designed interiors. A drawing of a scheme for the decoration of a living room designed by Lancaster is illustrated in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1907 (p.57); a copper and wrought-iron hanging lamp designed by him is featured in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1908 (illustration B218); a design for dining room and a window in leaded glass designed by him are illustrated in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1909 (pp.15, 57); three stained-glass windows designed by him are illustrated in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1910 (p.110); and a stained glass inglenook window designed by him is illustrated in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' (p.106).
Lancaster was a prolific watercolour painter and etcher, known for his landscapes, moorland views and scenes for French and Dutch flower markets. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1910 and continued to do so regularly until 1938. He also exhibited at the New English Art Club, Dudley Gallery, Fine Art Society, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Royal Institute of Oil Painter, Goupil Gallery, and Walkers Gallery in London; Manchester City Art Gallery; Royal Birmingham Society of Artists; Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool; Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy, Wales; Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts; Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh; and at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin.
He was elected a member of the Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers (ARE) in 1912; a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) in 1914; and a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) in 1921.
Lancaster's address was given as 78 Cedar Street, Southport in 1910; 13 Houghton Street, Southport in 1910 and 1914; 63 Cedar Street, Southport in 1916 and 1920; and 17 Ash Street, Southport in 1922 and 1939. He died on 25 November 1950. His address at the time of his death was at 166 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport.
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 2: L-Z. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001
Littlejohns, John. British Water-colour Painting & Painters of To-day. London: Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, 1931 pp. 57-60