from the special collections of the Fryer Library
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Harold Parker Parker began accumulating awards in 1895, when he entered 3 carved wooden panels in the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Intercolonial Exhibition and won two awards. Fryer holds a commemorative attendance medal for the 1876 Exhibition (he was three years old); an 1894 Wood Carving Prize medal; medals Sculpture Prize Medals for 1908, 1910 (Prometheus Bound) and 1928 (The Pioneer) from the Societe des Artists Francaise (the Paris Salon). At one stage he was the only artist to exhibit both painting and sculpture at the Paris Salon. The striking entrance to Australia House, London is thanks to Harold Parker who sculpted ‘Peace and Prosperity’ (left of door) and ‘The Awakening of Australia’ (right of door) between 1915 and 1918 Fryer’s holdings include personal items such as his birth certificate, passport and marriage certificate, as well as a wedding souvenir card of his 1911 marriage to Janet Robinson The Parkers visited Australia often, finally settling in Brisbane West End in 1934. His career is said to have reached its climax when the then recently opened Tate Gallery in London exhibited his sculpture ‘Ariadne’ as winner of the prestigous 1908 Chantry Purchase (of works of the highest merit for the nation) even though it was by an Australian. In 1919 he sculpted a half size reduction of his work which is held by the National Gallery of Victoria |
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Where works are held The University of Queensland Art Museum holds 17 items demonstrating his skill in differing mediums (5 marble sculptures, 1 carved wood panel, 6 paintings), photographs, and a Self Portrait painted about 1896, as well as his sculpture tools. They also have a portrait of him by James Quinn. The Queensland Art Gallery has 15 of his works dated from 1903 -1937, the National Gallery of Victoria holds the 1919 ‘Ariadne’ sculpture, The National Gallery of Australia holds: sketchbooks 1938-1952 and 3 sculptures: 1904, 1920, 1952, The John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland holds 6 watercolours; and the Queensland College of Art at Griffith University also holds examples of his works. Parker is also represented in many private collections. |
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Reproductions courtesy of the artists’ estate
