Who was E. de C. Clarke?

Professor Edward de Courcy Clarke, who lived from 1880 to 1956, was a highly-regarded teacher, researcher and field geologist. He was born in Waimate, New Zealand, and completed his university training in Auckland in 1901.

After some years of teaching and geological work in New Zealand, he joined the Geological Survey of Western Australia, where he served from 1912 to 1920. He was then appointed Lecturer-in-charge of the Department of Geology in the University of Western Australia, and retired as Professor in 1948.

Before and after his academic appointment, Clarke carried out extensive field work in challenging areas. In those days, camels rather than four-wheel drives were used, and there were many other problems to contend with which we do not have to consider today. As Head of Department, Professor Clarke continued to expand our geological knowledge of the State by fieldwork and research and published numerous scientific accounts of his work.

Professor Clarke’s students called him “Corky” and remember him as an inspiring teacher, who took a personal interest in their welfare. Despite the financial stringencies of the times, he was able to attract highly competent staff to his Department.

The Museum was named in his honour in 1989 after a complete upgrading, generously supported by the public, industry, and Professor Clarke’s three sons, Miles, John and Stuart.