Henry Percival Shapland was born in Barnstaple, Devon, England in 5 October 1879 and trained as an architect with Charles Edward Varndell (1857-1933). He travelled in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands and studied at the Technical High School in Charlottenburg Germany.
Shapland qualified as an architect in 1909 and was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) later that year. Shapland was probably related to [possibly son of] Henry Shapland (1823-1909), founder of the Barnstaple, Devon-based cabinetmakers Shapland & Petter. A carved oak mantelpiece designed by H. Percival Shapland and executed by Shapland & Petter Ltd. is illustrated in 'The Studio Yearbook of Decorative Art' 1907 (p.118). H.P. Shapland was the author of 'Style schemes in antique furnishing: interiors and their treatment' (London: Simpkin, Marshall & Benn Bros., 1909), 'The Nation’s Treasures. Measured drawings of fine old furniture in the Victoria and Albert Museum' (London: Simpkin, Marshall & Benn Bros., 1910), 'The practical decoration of furniture' 3 volumes (London: Payson & Clark Ltd., 1926-27), and 'A Key to English Furniture' (London: Blackie & Son, 1938).
Shapland was a conscientious objector in World War Two and as part of the Friends Ambulance Unit General Service (Agriculture) worked on a farm in Hampshire from 3rd September 1917 until 1st February 1919.
Shapland's address was given as 45 Canonbury Square, London (1909, 1914); 29 Hornsey Lane, Highgate, London (1917, 1926); 8 Meadway, Barnet (1926, 1928, 1929); Wellclose, West Haddon, Daventry, Northamptonshire in 1939. He died in 1968. His death was registered in Rugby, Warwickshire.
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