F. W. Commons
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
F. W. Commons | |
|---|---|
 F. W. Commons in Ballarat, 1894 | |
| Born | Frederick William Commons 1860 |
| Died | 3 April 1925 (age 65)[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Monumental mason, sculptor |
| Spouse | Emily Ada Williams |
| Children | See list
|
| Parents |
|
Frederick William Commons (1860-1925) was an Australian monumental sculptor who was commissioned to carve the monuments in the Ballarat Town Hall. He was commissioned to carve four allegorical figures for Parliament House, Melbourne, each 12 ft high and for £2,100.[2] However, it never eventuated due to the depression.[3] Today, many of his works can be seen in statues and monuments in the Ballarat district.
Commons was born in Linton, Victoria in 1860, to Cornish parents Richard Commons and Elizabeth Barkla.[4] He was described as the "first white child born in the township".[5]
Commons was educated at the school of Ebenezer Parker MA in Scarsdale.[4] When he was 16 he travelled to England to begin technical training in masonry.[4] His parents, three brothers and three sisters accompanied him on the Northumberland bound for London. He returned to Australia at the age of 18 on the Somersetshire in February 1879.[4]
