Robert Parsons

Robert Parsons (1718–90) and his son, Robert Jr (1744–1813)  became well known for their stone garden vases, door casings, burial monuments and urns, and chimney-pieces, most of which were carved from marble and Bath stone. It is probable that the elder Parsons designed and carved the impressive stone pyramid that now resides over the burial site of Ralph Allen (1694–1764), the famous postmaster from Bath and wealthy owner of several stone quarries. Parsons was originally from Bristol, and was baptised there in 1742. In 1752, he became the minister at Southgate Street, Bath, and in 1768 moved the congregation to Garrard Street (later Somerset Street). He remained pastor until his death in 1790. Both Parsons were published writers, with the younger Parsons contributing to a volume containing designs of stone vases and chimney-pieces, some of which were patterned after the work of the potter Eleanor Coade. The younger Parsons was provided a liberal education and had strong literary affinities during his youth, as evidence, in a portion of his diary from 1769 that has survived and can now be found in the Huntington Library, San Marino, California. For Parsons, see Rupert Gunnis, Dictionary of British Sculptors, 1660–1851 (London: Odhams Press, 1968), 292–93.