Daisy Archer


Daisy Archer
Daisy Archer 1862-1952
Alice (Daisy) Marwedel and her twin sister, Jessie, were born in Tasmania in 1862 but moved with their family to Toowoomba in 1865. Little is known of Daisy's life in Toowoomba, but apparently she never received any art training. In 1889, following a visit to her sister in Rockhampton where she was courted by the pastoralist Robert Stubbs Archer, they married and lived together at his property, 'Gracemere'. Although Daisy had been introduced to the craft by her sister, Emma, it was the station bookkeeper, Henry James King-Church, who sparked her interest in woodcarving.

Her husband, Robert, was extensively involved with the Rockhampton Agricultural Society, and she acted as judge and steward of the Women's Industries section on several occasions. She was instrumental in setting up the local branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association, and became increasingly involved in this organisation during the 1930s. From the early part of this century until her husband's death in 1926, she produced an extensive body of carving.

Settle with heraldic motif

This settle was carved to fit under one of the windows which open out to the verandah of 'Gracemere' - the Archer family crest is carved into the back. The flanking panels, [show detail and link here] carved with interweaving foliate 'strap' leaves are very subtly handled. This Nordic style of carving appears to have a close connection with Celtic interlacing, which is one of the components of the art nouveau manner in the British Isles. The interlaced carving of the sides of the settle (not visible in this photograph) has a dynamic movement, which demonstrates an even more marked affinity with art nouveau.