Ernest Arthur Gardner

Ernest Arthur Gardner Biography

Ernest Arthur Gardner (16 March 1862 – 27 November 1939) was a distinguished English archaeologist, celebrated for his extensive work in Greece and Cyprus, and his leadership as the director of the British School at Athens from 1887 to 1895. Born in Clapton, London, Gardner was the son of Thomas Gardner and Ann Pearse. He received his early education at the City of London School and later attended Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a double first in Classics in 1884.

Gardner's archaeological career commenced with his involvement in the Egypt Exploration Society's excavations at Naucratis, Egypt, between 1885 and 1886. In 1886, he became a student at the British School at Athens under Francis Penrose, and a year later, he was appointed its director. During his tenure, Gardner led significant excavations at sites such as Old Paphos and Salamis in Cyprus, and Megalopolis in Greece, greatly contributing to the understanding of ancient Greek civilization.

After resigning from the British School at Athens in 1895, Gardner was appointed Yates Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology at University College London, a position he held until 1929. He also served as editor of The Journal of Hellenic Studies from 1897 to 1932, influencing the field through both his teaching and scholarly publications. Gardner's academic leadership extended to administrative roles, including serving as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of London and as its first Public Orator.

During World War I, Gardner served as a naval intelligence officer in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, stationed in Salonika, Greece, from 1915 to 1917. Notably, he organized the safeguarding of archaeological remains in the area, an effort for which he was awarded the Gold Cross of the Order of the Redeemer by the Greek government in 1918. Gardner passed away on 27 November 1939 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to classical archaeology and education.

Trivia About Ernest Arthur Gardner

• Gardner's brother, Percy Gardner, was also a renowned archaeologist, and his sister, Alice Gardner, was a historian.
• He was the first student of the British School at Athens before becoming its director.
• Gardner was instrumental in the establishment of the Cyprus Exploration Fund, leading to important archaeological discoveries in Cyprus.
• His daughter, Phyllis Gardner, was a writer and artist, known for her relationship with poet Rupert Brooke.

Famous Quotes by Ernest Arthur Gardner

• "Archaeology is not only the handmaid of history, but also the conservator of the relics of human achievement."
• "The study of ancient art is the study of the human spirit expressed in form."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Ernest Arthur Gardner?

Ernest Arthur Gardner was an English archaeologist known for his directorship of the British School at Athens and his significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek art and archaeology.

What were Gardner's major archaeological contributions?

Gardner led important excavations at sites including Old Paphos and Salamis in Cyprus, and Megalopolis in Greece, enhancing the understanding of ancient Greek civilization.

Did Gardner have any notable family members?

Yes, his brother, Percy Gardner, was a distinguished archaeologist, and his sister, Alice Gardner, was a historian. His daughter, Phyllis Gardner, was a writer and artist.

Related Literary Movements

Ernest Arthur Gardner's work is associated with the advancement of classical archaeology and the scholarly study of ancient Greek art and inscriptions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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