Page 78 - Bulletin 15 2011

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Parker and Forsyth, The partnership of (1866-1921) FRIBA

(1902) John Parker

John Parker was born in Greenock,
Renfrew, Scotland, on 17 September 1866. His
architectural education started in 1880 at the
age of 14. It consisted of three years¶ practical
experience as an apprentice to architect John
Baird of Thompson and Baird in Glasgow
after which the Parker family immigrated to
Cape Town in March 1883. Here John Parker
served in the ofce of Charles Freeman for
seven years (the nal three years as Chief
Assistant).

Parker set up his own practice in 1890,
aged 24, in Hout Street, Cape Town, and one
of his early contracts was to design alterations
to Long Cottage (now Spring Water), 246-248
Main Road, Muizenberg, for John Garlick
The late Mr. John Parker, -1921
The rst mayor of Greater Cape (5144). Parker did further alterations to Long
Town Cottage in 1911 (5504). Builder: R.H. Morris.
In November 1913 he did additions in the form
of two bedrooms and bathrooms at Zandwijk, 18 Beach Road, Muizenberg
(2683) for Rand Mines Ltd. (Documents signed by E.R. Syfret). Parker’s
work ourished through his friendship with Anders Ohlsson of Ohlssons
Cape Breweries, and Parker was responsible for the design of many
of Ohlsson’s hotels in the South Peninsula, including the Majestic and

Muizenberg Hotels as well as alterations to the Masonic Hotel, Kalk Bay.
Parker was also deeply involved in civic and water affairs. He played
a leading role in the unication in 1913 of the smaller municipalities (bar
Wynberg) into the Greater City of Cape Town, of which he became the
rst mayor. He also took a leading role in the establishment of the Cape
Institute of Architects of which he was a Founder Member (1902) and its
rst president (1905). A dedicated Presbyterian churchman he sadly passed
away on the anniversary of his wedding day, 21 September 1921, aged fty-
four. His death was regarded as one of the most tragic that had befallen the
architectural profession as his work and his inuence covered many vital
spheres in the lives of the people of Cape Town. His home known as The
Firs was originally designed by C.H. Smith (1903) with additions by Parker.
It is now the Irma Stern Museum, administered by the University of Cape
Town.