University of Pennsylvania China Bicentennial Wedgwood Dessert Cups and Saucers, 1940 Bennett Hall Entrance

Artist: Harry Ewing Parker (1887-1974)

Harry Ewing Parker drew the sketch which appears on the University of Pennsylvania Bicentennial Wedgwood china demitasse cup, Bennett Hall Entrance. He was born in Southampton, Pennsylvania in 1887 and attended George School before he matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1906. He earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (A.B. in Arch.) in 1910 and the degree of Master of Arts (A.M.) in 1913.

From 1910 until 1950, Parker worked in several architectural firms, but the focus of his career was the teaching of architecture. In 1913, he became an instructor in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1920 he was promoted to assistant professor, and in 1926 he was named professor of architectural construction. When he retired in 1957, Parker was named professor emeritus of architecture.

During World War I he served as a lieutenant in France. Each year at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Harry Parker Construction Medal is given to a deserving graduate student.

Subject: Bennett Hall

Bennett Hall was constructed between 1923 and 1925 on land willed to the University of Pennsylvania by Joseph Bennett, former manufacturer of Civil War uniforms. The College of Liberal Arts for Women opened in Bennett Hall in 1933. Bennett Hall has also housed the School of Education, the Maria Hosmer Penniman Education Library, a women’s student union and a women’s gymnasium. In 1966, when the College of Liberal for Women was combined with the College, the building was converted into the home of the English Department.

Architects: Stewardson and Page