Biography

Hugh Cunningham (c.1858-1945) was a woodcarver and teacher at Launceston Technical College. Given the significance and extent of his work, not only in St. John's Church, but across northern Tasmania, there is surprisingly little biographical information about him.
His work at St. John's Church and elsewhere was typically designed by architect Alexander North (1858-1945), who was renowned for his designs for ecclesiastical buildings and furniture. As was often the case, the architect was frequently given more credit for the design and execution of the work, rather than the actual woodcarver himself. Hugh Cunningham’s works are also extant in Launceston’s Holy Trinity and Longford’s Christ Church. A Victorian architect on a study tour of Tasmania in 1913 visited St Peter's, describing ‘genius’ Cunningham’s work as ‘a triumph of the woodworker’s art’.
Hugh Cunningham worked on carvings in St. John's Church up to his retirement around 1920. The exquisite native fauna carved into the choir stalls are attributed to his hand. He was assisted and followed by his student, W. Gordon Cumming who worked during the subsequent years up to 1945.

Source

Tasmanian Heritage Register Datasheet [linked] relating to St. Peter's Anglican Church and Rectory, Fingal (details regarding Cunningham on p.3)

Tasmanian Heritage Register Datasheet relating to St. Peter's Anglican Church and Rectory, Fingal (details regarding Cunningham on p.3)
https://www.planning.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/669159/Representation-71-Break-O-Day-Council-1-November-2021.PDF