Open/Close Toolbox
Item Type: People and Organisations
Linked To
Activities & OccupationsMember of OrganisationSucceeding OrganisationsPlan
Menu
Henderson, Anketell Matthew
Description
HistoryAnketell M. Henderson was born on 3 March 1853 at Cork, Ireland, son of an Independent clergyman, and came to Victoria at the age of 10 with his family. After education at Scotch College, Melbourne, he completed the University of Melbourne's engineering certificate course (1872) while articled to the architecture firm Reed & Barnes. Henderson entered private practice with Francis J. Smart as Henderson & Smart in 1878, and in 1883 they both rejoined Joseph Reed to form Reed, Henderson & Smart. The partnership lasted until 1890, during which time Henderson was responsible for work for the Bank of Australasia and the University of Melbourne. Henderson’s departure from the firm was sudden and acrimonious. He retained the bank work when he set up on his own, practising in 1890-1906 as Anketell Henderson, architect, licensed surveyor and sanitary engineer, at 352 Collins Street. From 1906 he partnered with his son Kingsley Anketell Henderson and the firm became known as Anketell and K. Henderson.
In 1890 he was appointed co-examiner in architecture for the university's engineering course and in 1891-1903 and 1905-16 was lecturer in architecture; he continued in an honorary capacity for a few years. In 1897, 1910 and 1913 he was president of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. As lecturer in architecture for almost thirty years he was a major influence on students and staff alike both in matters of practice and design theory. His preference for the classical styles was well known, as was his insistence on the practical use of learning. The R.V.I.A.'s eventual support of the teaching of architecture at the university was achieved mainly by his endeavour. He died on 15 November 1922.
In 1890 he was appointed co-examiner in architecture for the university's engineering course and in 1891-1903 and 1905-16 was lecturer in architecture; he continued in an honorary capacity for a few years. In 1897, 1910 and 1913 he was president of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. As lecturer in architecture for almost thirty years he was a major influence on students and staff alike both in matters of practice and design theory. His preference for the classical styles was well known, as was his insistence on the practical use of learning. The R.V.I.A.'s eventual support of the teaching of architecture at the university was achieved mainly by his endeavour. He died on 15 November 1922.
Dates
Date1853-1922
Names
Description Control
Source of DescriptionAnketell Matthew Henderson | Australian Dictionary of Biography
Professional Relationships
Organisational Relationships
Succeeding OrganisationsReed, Smart & Tappin
Henderson, Anketell Matthew (1853-1922), [UMA-AG-000001657]. University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 22/07/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/654078