Alfred William Parsons: A Life in Art and Gardens Born: Laverton, Australia (1847) Died: 1920 Nationality: English Known for: Landscape Painting, Botanical Illustration, Garden Design Early Life and Artistic Training Born in Beckington, Somerset, the son of a surgeon and keen gardener. Initially worked as a clerk in the Post Office but left to pursue art. Studied at the Kensington School of Art. Began exhibiting his work at various galleries from 1874, including the Royal Academy. Early influences likely included the Barbizon school and English landsc…