Richard Smith Lander was born in St. Luke's, Middlesex [now London], England on 22 July 1827. He was active as an architect in London from the 1850s. With Charles King Bedells (1832-1897) he formed the architectural partnership Lander & Bedells in 1854. The firm specialised in the design of nonconformist churches and schools. In 1899 William Edward Vernon Crompton (1867-1937). became a partner in the practice which was renamed Lander, Bedells & Crompton. The firm was active until at least the early 1930s.
At some point, possibly in the 1890s, Lander's son, Harold Clapham Lander (1868-1955) probably became a partner in the firm. Richard Smith Lander died in Tonbridge, Kent on 15 February 1892.
For details of architectural projects by Lander & Bedells see Index to Architects [link below]. Note: nothing is known about this source [the compiler is not credited]. It is very informative, but, unfortunately, marred by excessive use of abbreviations.
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