Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- c. 2010 - 2015 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
3 items, wood, metal, plastic and paper.
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
David Parr matriculated in 1955 to study Mechanical Sciences at Jesus College, where he won the Sir George Nelson Prize for Applied Mechanics. Upon retirement in 1994, he returned to pursue a PhD in Theoretical Physics at Essex University from 1996-2000. In the early 2000s, he began creating art inspired by mathematical elements which he brought to Jesus, such as the Five Regular Solids. The work displays an insistence on superb finishes, and an artist remote from actual construction of the items. David's work is detailed in the book 'Archive' which can be found in the Webb library.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Mathematical conic sculpture designed by David Parr and made by an unknown woodworker from American walnut and padauk. Several sections are attached via brass pins and can be removed to form an ellipse, a parabola and two 'leaves' of a hyperbola. Also includes a laminated paper and plastic container, and information sheet.