Francis Parsons

Career

He was a student at the drawing academy in Saint Martin"s Lane. In 1763 he exhibited at the Society of Artists" exhibition in Spring Gardens portraits of an Indian chief and of Mission Davies the actress. A portrait of James Brindley the engineer, by Parsons, was engraved in mezzotint by R. Dunkarton in 1770, and published by Parsons at his house in Great Ormond Street, London.

The same portrait was also engraved by Cook.

Another portrait of Cunne Shote, a Cherokee chief, by Parsons, was engraved in mezzotint by J. McArdell. As he did not succeed greatly in portraiture, Parsons latterly kept a shop as a dealer in and restorer of pictures.

He exhibited for the last time in 1783.

Achievements

• He was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. THE Queen has been graciously pleased to award the decoration of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer, whose claims have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for his conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Paardeberg, as stated against his name : — This Officer was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B. on 3rd March latt. His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Essex Regiment Museum, Chelmsford, Essex, England.

Membership

Parsons was a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists, and served as director in 1775 and the following years, and as their treasurer in 1776.