Ivor William Evans
Ivor William Evans | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Carlton, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | April 25, 1960 (aged 72) Beaumaris, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, flag designer, banker, Australian rules footballer |
| Known for | Co-recipient of the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition prize |
Ivor William Evans (24 July 1887 – 25 April 1960) was an Australian entrepreneur and co-recipient of the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition prize at the age of 14.
Biography
Evans was born in Carlton, Victoria as the third son of Evan Evans, who established a manufacturing business specializing in canvas products. He received his education through a scholarship at Princes Hill State School and New College. His professional journey began in 1904 at the Commercial Bank of Australia, where he ultimately took charge of the Chillingollah branch.
At 17 years old, Evans participated in a single senior match with the St Kilda Football Club during the 1904 VFL season.
Business career
In 1912, Evans became part of his father’s enterprise and was made partner two years later. During World War I, the company played a significant role as a military supplier and was formally incorporated as Evan Evans Pty Ltd in 1920. Taking on the role of managing director from 1922, he oversaw expansion that included establishing a new factory on Bourke Street, Melbourne and opening a retail outlet in Carlton. In 1944, Evans was appointed honorary controller of canvas goods at the Department of Supply. Throughout World War II, the firm provided an extensive range of canvas materials to the armed forces and maintained branches across four additional states. By 1952, the workforce numbered more than 100 employees. Evans stepped down from his managing director position in 1956.
Personal life
In 1917, Evans married Stella Arthur; the couple had three children. Their son Thomas lost his life serving with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1945. Evans passed away at his residence in Beaumaris on 25 April 1960, aged 72.
Flag design
At just 13 years old in 1901, Evans entered a design into the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition, organized by the Barton government to select Australia's national flag. He was one of five winners who shared the £200 prize due to their nearly identical designs; among them was Annie Dorrington. One judge, John Evans, commended Ivor's precise star sizing that reflected brightness levels accurately. The victors were invited to witness the flag's inaugural presentation at the Royal Exhibition Building.
In 1951, Evans suggested to Prime Minister Robert Menzies that each school be provided with an Australian flag to commemorate the Federation’s 50th anniversary. This initiative resulted in over 10,000 flags being distributed nationwide. He remained publicly engaged with discussions about the flag until shortly before his passing.