He went on to study at the University of Zürich where he presented a doctoral thesis on "Oliver Cromwell's reputation traced through English literature".
[2][3] In 1934, Parker joined the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, as keeper of the Department of Fine Art.
[1] In the 1954 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his service as Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.
[5] In the 1960 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor, in recognition of further service as Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, and therefore granted the title sir.
[6] He received the accolade from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (acting on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II) during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 9 February 1960.