Karl Parker

Sir Karl Theodore Parker, (2 July 1895 – 22 July 1992), occasionally known as KTP, was an English art historian and museum curator. He was Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford from 1945 to 1962 and Trustee of the National Gallery from 1962 to 1969.

Early life and education Parker was born on 2 July 1895 in Marylebone, London, England. He was the younger son of Robert William Parker, a surgeon, and Marie Amélie Parker (née Lüling). He was educated at the private Bedford School, and the Lycée Saint-Louis, Paris. He then studied chemistry at the German University of Freiburg. He went on to study at the University of Zürich where he presented a doctoral thesis on "Oliver Cromwell's reputation traced through English literature." He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of Oxford in 1972.

In 1934, Parker joined the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, as keeper of the Department of Fine Art. Having then retired, he maintained a link with the art world as a trustee of the National Gallery, serving as such between 1962 and 1969. In the 1960 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor, in recognition of further service as Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, and therefore granted the title sir. He received the accolade from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (acting on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II) during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 9 February 1960.