wood-carvers, were mother and daughter who worked in central Queensland from the turn of the century. As well as being an accomplished wood-carver, Daisy Archer , was prominent in the social life of the area. Born Alice Manon Marwedel in Tasmania in 1862, Daisy, as she was known, and her twin sister Jessie Marie Martha later moved to Toowoomba, Queensland, with their family. Jessie married George Allan, a schoolmaster at Rockhampton, and when Daisy came to stay she met, and in 1889 married, the pastoralist Robert Archer (1858-1926). They lived at the Archer family property, Gracemere, outside Rockhampton, which Robert had inherited.
Daisy Archer’s interest in carving was sparked off by the work of the station bookkeeper Henry James King-Church (c.1869-1905). She appears to have had no formal training in art, although she may have had lessons in carving from her eldest sister, Emma, who cared for the twins after their mother died. Daisy also produced her own embroidery designs.
Robert Archer was extensively involved with the Rockhampton Agricultural Society, and Daisy acted as judge and steward of the Women’s Industries’ section at the Rockhampton Annual Show on several occasions. She was instrumental in setting up the local branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association and during the 1930s became increasingly involved in this organisation. From the early part of this century until her husband died, she produced an extensive body of carving.
Daisy and Robert Archer’s daughter Joan was born in Rockhampton. She studied art in England in 1905-09 at the Croamhurst School in Croydon, where her best subject was watercolour painting. Her initial interest in woodcarving was also fostered by King-Church. Unlike her mother, Joan exhibited her work. In 1910 she was awarded a prize for woodcarving from the Rockhampton Agricultural Society, and in 1939 from Toowoomba.
While engaged to her cousin Alister Archer, Joan completed a carved chair after an original in an Oslo museum while he was on active service during World War I. They married in 1919. She continued carving after her marriage and produced many items for the Comforts Funds during World War II, until a stroke put an end to these activities.
- Writers:
- Cooke, Glenn R.
- Date written:
- 1995
- Last updated:
- 2011
