Alfred Parsons (artist)  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

Alfred Parsons' depiction of Charles Darwin's Study, engraved by J. Tynan, signed in August 1882, published in the Century Magazine, 1883. This picture shows, that even the depiction of a real world object can be used by the artist for hiding puzzles in his work creatively. (For analysis, some colors have been added in order to highlight some members of the little zoo which is hidden in Parsons' illustration.)

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Alfred William Parsons (2 Dec 1847 - 16 Jan 1920) was an English artist, illustrator, engraver and garden designer.

Parsons was born in Beckington in Somerset, the son of a surgeon, and raised in London. After being educated privately, he started work as a clerk in the Post Office. After 2 years, he left to pursue studies at the Kensington School of Art, and went on to exhibit at various galleries including the Royal Academy.

Parsons joined the notable artistic community in the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds (Worcestershire). His associates included the American artists Edwin Austin Abbey and Francis Davis Millet. Through contacts made while at the artists' colony he became an illustrator for Harper's Magazine, and also provided illustrations for books - including short stories by Thomas Hardy and travel books (see below). Parsons' fine illustrated book, Notes from Japan came from his visit to that country between 1892 to 1894.

Alfred Parsons is well-known for his English rural landscape paintings and fine botanical illustrations. He also was a keen gardener. As an example, the 17 acres of garden of Wightwick Manor (West Midlands) was set out to a design by Parsons reflecting his association with the Pre-Raphaelites.

Links

• tourUK: Wightwick Manor (West Midlands)