Harold Parker facts for kids

My friend Harold Parker by James Quinn, around 1907.

Harold Parker (born August 27, 1873 – died April 23, 1962) was a talented sculptor. He was born in Britain but grew up in Queensland, Australia. Later, he spent much of his life creating art in the United Kingdom.

Early Life

Harold Parker was born in 1873 in Aylesbury, England. When he was three years old, his family moved to Brisbane, Australia, in 1876.

Becoming a Sculptor

Harold began his art studies at the Brisbane Technical College. His teachers included John A Clarke and Godfrey Rivers. In 1896, he moved to London to learn even more. There, he worked with famous sculptors like Thomas Brock and Hamo Thornycroft.

From 1903 to 1929, Harold often showed his sculptures at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He also sometimes exhibited his art in Paris. In 1906, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors. This was a big honor for him.

His Most Famous Works

The biggest moment in his career came in 1908. His sculpture called 'Ariadne' was bought by the Tate Gallery for £1000. This was a huge success for Harold! In 1910, his sculpture 'Prometheus Bound' also received special recognition in Paris.

In March 1911, Harold married Janet Robinson in London. Her father was a very important person for Queensland in London.

The First Breath of Spring, around 1913.

The Prosperity of Australia at Australia House, London.

In 1911, Harold and his new wife visited Brisbane. People were excited to see him, but he didn't sell many of his artworks there. He did sell his First Breath of Spring to the Queensland National Art Gallery.

Back in London, he received a very important job. He was asked to create two large groups of figures for the outside of Australia House. These sculptures were named The Prosperity of Australia and The Awakening of Australia.

By 1929, his art was being shown in major exhibitions in Paris, London, and Scotland.

Later Life and Coin Design

In 1930, Harold and his wife moved back to Brisbane, Australia. He didn't get many big sculpture jobs there. He started focusing more on painting instead of sculpting.

However, in 1936, he did create some designs for new coins for King Edward VIII. His design of a small wren bird was chosen for the farthing coin. This little bird became a very popular and well-known image in Britain.

In 1937, he helped start the Australian Academy of Art.

Harold Parker passed away in Brisbane on April 23, 1962. He was buried in South Brisbane Cemetery.

Legacy

Harold Parker's work is still remembered today. A portrait of him from around 1907 hangs in the National Library of Australia.

His personal papers, sketchbooks, and photos are kept at the Fryer Library at the University of Queensland.

In 1993, a special exhibition of his sculptures, called Harold Parker, Sculptor, was held at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane. Many of his artworks are still held there today.

See also

In Spanish: Harold Parker para niños