Robin Boyd CBE (1919-1971) was a renowned Australian architect, author, critic, and public educator in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a leader of the Modern Movement in Australia, a visionary in urban design and an outspoken commentator on the Australian Identity. Boyd was not only a great architect who was passionate about good design—he also ardently shared his ideas with the wider public, not just within the design community. Above all Boyd was committed to an educated nation, to the establishment of innovative ideas as a way of living in an informed Australia.

The Foundation

Based in Melbourne, the Robin Boyd Foundation has been established to support the on-going vision and legacy of Robin Boyd. Its aim is to develop and deliver innovative educational programs, community lectures, public events and publications that inspire people to develop a greater awareness of the benefits of design.

The Foundation is focused on looking toward the future, sharing the stories and lessons from a great leader and facilitating the application of this knowledge in the context of a changing world. It aims to quickly become an important and recognised contributor to the cultural and intellectual life of Melbourne.

290 Walsh Street, South Yarra

The Foundation has acquired Robin Boyd’s former home at 290 Walsh Street, South Yarra (pictured above), which he designed for himself and his family in 1959. This house is an iconic piece of Australian architecture, and until purchased by the Foundation was lived in by Robin Boyd’s widow. It still contains the Boyd’s furniture and belongings, much of which is retained by the Foundation.

Walsh Street is the home of the Robin Boyd Foundation. It will be a venue for functions, talks and research programs. On occasion it will also be open to the public as a museum facility. Development of a supporter’s program is underway, as is a program of events. There is the possibility of joint promotions being held in Canberra with the Manning Clark House organisation. A website is also in the works.

A National Trust initiative

The Foundation is an initiative of the National Trust in Victoria, established and operated in conjunction with Robin Boyd’s family. It is governed by members representing the Boyd family, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Victoria Chapter), the three faculties of architecture at University of Melbourne, Deakin University and RMIT University and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Supporters

The Hon. Gough Whitlam, former Prime Minister of Australia, is the Robin Boyd Foundation’s Founding Patron. The Foundation is supported by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects together with Melbourne, Deakin and RMIT Universities. A group of Melbourne’s leading architects and design professionals have committed to work with the National Trust to guide the establishment of the foundation and assist with fund raising.

Further information

For additional information about the Robin Boyd Foundation’s activities or to be added to their mailing list, you can contact information@robinboyd.org.au.

Related links

On this site:

• Short biography of Robin Boyd.
• Clark House, 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest, 1952.
• Fenner House, 8 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill, 1952-53.
• 4 Bedford Street, Deakin, 1954.
• 204 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill, 1963.
• 12 Marawa Place, Aranda, 1968-69.

Elsewhere:

• Robin Boyd Foundation placeholder page (for now).
• National Trust (Victoria) background on the Foundation.
• Manning Clark House organisation website.
• Wikipedia entry on Robin Boyd.
• Royal Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter website.
• Wikipedia entry on Gough Whitlam.