Lewis Jarvis Harvey

Lewis Jarvis Harvey (1871–1949) was an artist and teacher in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He was an important practitioner and teacher in the arts and crafts movement in Queensland and a figure of national significance. He was an accomplished artist, carver, ceramist and sculptor, as well as the inspiration of the largest school of Art Pottery in Australia.

Early life Lewis Jarvis Harvey was born at Wantage, in Berkshire, England on 16 June 1871, the second son of the six children born to Enos James Harvey (an iron moulder and engineer) and his wife Elizabeth (née Jarvis). His family came to Brisbane in 1874, and he attended the Kangaroo Point State School and began his work life as a telegraph messenger.

Artistic career Harvey studied art at the Brisbane Technical College, from about 1887 under the direction of Joseph Augustine Clarke. He was attending a Royal Queensland Art Society meeting at the Lyceum Club where he suddenly collapsed and died.

His funeral was held on 21 July 1949 at St Mary's Anglican Church, Kangaroo Point followed by a cremation at the Mount Thompson Crematorium.

Legacy The State Library of Queensland holds material about Harvey's work such as: L. J. Harvey and his Times, L. J. Harvey and his School, as well as ephemeral material which includes articles, biographical information and exhibition catalogues.