Denis Alva Parsons

Career

Denis Parsons was a sculptor of immense integrity and vision and one of the last traditionally-schooled craftsmen in a long British carving tradition. He was accomplished in ‘Direct carving’ - cutting figures out of a block of stone or wood. This was seen as a primary test of the artist’s abilities in releasing the figures “hidden” in the inert materials.

Born near Polesworth, Warwickshire, Denis spent his whole working career in the Midlands. In the 1950s, he served a seven-year apprenticeship with Robert Bridgeman and Sons, Lichfield, later to become Linford Bridgeman a leading company concentrating on architectural and ecclesiastical carving and sculpture. At the time, the company employed a substantial team of carvers, each with a specialist skill in figurative sculpture, foliage carving and letter cutting. From each craftsman Denis was fortunate to acquire traditional skills which had been developed and handed down over many generations – skills now increasingly forgotten. Later he became the company’s head sculptor before setting up his own studio near Lichfield. See The Architects' Journal reference below.

In a career lasting over fifty years, Denis Parsons established an enviable reputation in the field of wood and stone carving, both figurative and architectural. A range of his figurative work can be found in locations worldwide. St Joseph's R.C. Church at Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands, UK features four of his figures. The Samuel Johnson Birthpace Museum in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK exhibits a figure of Dr Johnson in the round created by Parsons. St Ambrose's Church, Kidderminster, UK displays Denis' interpretation of St Ambrose in lime wood. The crypt chapel at St Marylebone Parish Church, London contains a fine crucifix by Parsons. His work is to be found in many of the great buildings across the UK – including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey where Parsons was responsible for the restoration/replacement of eight large figures and decorative stonework on the North Transept. His skills were often called upon during major conservation projects for the National Trust including Little Moreton Hall which is featured in The Building Conservation Directory 1994

Denis Alva Parsons demonstrated carving on behalf of The Royal Fine Art Commission (now known as the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) at the Royal Academy in July 1989 in the presence of Princess Margaret and an exhibition titled 'On the Side of the Angels' at the Commission's head office in St James's Square, London in March 1992 in the presence of The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh representing Linford Bridgeman, Lichfield. In 1992 Denis was elected as an Associate of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, member 161. In 1993 he was awarded the MBE in recognition of his services to conservation. In 2013 The Denis Parsons Foundation was created under the auspices of The City of Lichfield Worshipful Company of Smiths to provide funds to assist local apprentices in practical skills. A tribute to Denis Parson was published in the Lichfield Gazette in June 2013 and again shortly afterwards when they featured the establishment of the Denis Parsons Foundation.

Denis Parsons contributed an article to Practical Woordworking magazine in 1992. Parsons has been featured in many publications, including Public Sculpture of Staffordshire and the Black Country. Parsons talks to Marion Hancock about his career in The Architects' Journal. Parsons is featured in Country Life Magazine where Parsons is referred to as 'one of the country's most expert architectural sculptors'.

A book is currently being written about the life and works of Denis Alva Parsons.