Frederick Brownell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Brownell
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Frederick Gordon Brownell
8 March 1940 Bethlehem, Orange Free State, South Africa
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| Died | 10 May 2019 (aged 79) |
| Alma mater | Rhodes University University of South Africa University of Pretoria |
| Occupation | State Herald of South Africa (1982–2002) |
| Known for | Designing the flags of Namibia and South Africa |
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Frederick Gordon Brownell (born March 8, 1940 – died May 10, 2019) was a South African expert in flags and symbols. He was known as a herald (someone who designs coats of arms and symbols) and a vexillologist (an expert on flags).
He became famous for designing two important national flags: the flag of Namibia and the flag of South Africa.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frederick Brownell was born in Bethlehem, a town in South Africa, on March 8, 1940. He finished high school in 1957 at St. Andrew's School in Bloemfontein.
After school, he joined the military for a short time. Then, he went to Rhodes University in Grahamstown. He studied History and Social Anthropology and earned his first degree in 1961.
He continued his studies at the University of South Africa. In 1965, he earned an Honours degree in history. Later, in 1977, he received a Master of Arts degree with high marks.
In 1962, he married Christine de Villiers in Pretoria. They had three daughters together.
Designing National Symbols
Frederick Brownell started working for the government in 1962. He worked in the Department of Immigration. From 1965 to 1969, he even worked at the South African Embassy in London.
In 1977, he joined the Bureau of Heraldry. This is where he became an expert in designing coats of arms and flags. He was promoted to State Herald in 1982. This was a very important job where he was in charge of all national symbols. He retired from this role in 2002.
Brownell designed many official symbols. These included coats of arms, badges, and flags. One of his most notable designs was the flag of Namibia in 1990. He also designed its coat of arms.
His most famous design is the current South African flag. He created it in 1993 and 1994. The flag has a unique "Y" shape, which in heraldry is called a "pall." This shape was chosen to show different cultures coming together for a new, united South Africa.
For his amazing work on the South African flag, President Nelson Mandela gave him the Order for Meritorious Service in 2000. He also won the Vexillon Award twice (in 1995 and 2015). This award celebrates excellence in promoting the study of flags.
Later Years and Legacy
After retiring, Brownell and his wife moved to a retirement home near Pretoria. He remained very active in the study of flags. He completed a large series of journals about South African military flags.
In 2015, he earned a Doctorate degree from the University of Pretoria. His research was about how the South African flag was designed and his role in its creation.
Frederick Brownell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2019. He passed away at his home on May 10, 2019, surrounded by his family. His flag designs continue to be important symbols for millions of people.
Awards and Recognitions
Frederick Brownell received many awards for his work:
- Order for Meritorious Service (OMSS), Class II: Silver
- Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
- Military Merit Medal (MMM)
- John Chard Decoration (JCD)
- Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (KStJ)
- Cross of Merit of Robert Caluwe (for services to international heraldry)
- Vexillon Award of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (1995 and 2015)
- Fellow of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (FF)
- Honorary Life Member of the Southern African Vexillological Association
- Laureate of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (LF)
See also
- Bureau of Heraldry, South Africa
- International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences
- International Congress of Vexillology
- Southern African Vexillological Association
Sources
- Arma Vol 7 No 1 (2002)
- Beckett, Denis (2002). Flying with Pride: The Story of the South African Flag. WildNet Africa. ISBN 978-0-620-28903-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=pF5xAAAAMAAJ.
- Faulkner, Donna (2014). Mandela. New Word City. ISBN 978-1-61230-749-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=4Zc6BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT92.
| Heraldic offices | ||
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| Preceded by Norden Hartman |
State Herald of South Africa 1982–2002 |
Succeeded by Themba Mabaso |
