HARRIS, MARY PACKER (1891-1978), teacher of art, was born on 30 July 1891 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, daughter of Clement Antrobus Harris, professor of music, and his wife Mary Elizabeth, née Packer, both Quakers. Mary was educated at Morison's and Perth academies, Perthshire, Scotland, and (from 1909) at the Edinburgh College of Art (Dip.Art, Scottish Art Teachers' Certificate, 1913). She also taught at The Wilderness School and lectured (1937-46) at the National Gallery of South Australia. She came to Australia in 1921 with her brother John, and was appointed to teach at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts; the job was poorly paid and she felt forlorn during her early years in Adelaide. Gradually gaining in assurance, in 1930 she was asked by the Education Department to teach English literature and the history and appreciation of art at the Girls' Central Art School, a new institution within the School of Arts and Crafts. Meanwhile, she continued to produce refreshing watercolours, prints, batiks, tapestries and illuminations. Although criticized for her 'muzzy mysticism', she was a constant exhibitor and encourager. -- Australian Dictionary of Biography.
