Lenton Parr

Windhover (2001) in Melbourne

Lenton Parr (11 September 1924 – 8 August 2003) was an Australian sculptor and teacher born in East Coburg, Victoria.[1]

He spent eight years in the Royal Australian Air Force before enrolling to study sculpture at the Royal Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT University), then worked in England 1955–57 as an assistant to Henry Moore. There he was influenced by Reg Butler and Eduardo Paolozzi to work with enamelled steel structures, which was to become his lifelong specialty. On his return to Melbourne he embarked on a career in art education which culminated in his appointment as director (1974–84) of the Victorian College of the Arts.[2]

He was a member of the Victorian Sculptors' Society and its seventh president. Around 1960 he joined with Clifford Last, Inge King, Vincas Jomantas and Teisutis Zikaras to form a splinter group which exhibited together as the 'Centre Five'. In 1967 the group split from the Society, which never recovered from the departure of so many of its prominent members.[3]

The Lenton Parr Library (Lenton Parr Music, Visual and Performing Arts Library—formerly Victorian College of the Arts Library) of the University of Melbourne was named for him.

Recognition

He was awarded Honorary D Arts (RMIT University) in 1992.

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/collection/pub/artistItemListing?artistID=6376 National Gallery of Victoria
  2. ↑ http://artsearch.nga.gov.au/Detail.cfm?IRN=42902&PICTAUS=TRUE National Gallery of Australia
  3. ↑ http://www.sculptorsvictoria.asn.au/association_history.php