Discovering Robin Boyd – The Romberg & Boyd Archive

A seminar exploring Robin Boyd’s legacy through his architecture, correspondence and archive. Speakers will include: Philip Goad, Miles Lewis, Jane Hinwood, Alan Pert, Kai Chen, Kate Gray, Mauro Baracco and Louise Wright. Case studies will include Farfor Houses, Portsea; Lawrence House and Flats, Kew; Domain Park, South Yarra.

The State Library User Organisations’ Council is pleased to present this seminar as part of its work in promoting the specialist collections of the State Library of Victoria, and in encouraging research using those collections.

The State Library of Victoria holds the archive of the architectural practice of Romberg & Boyd. This includes plans, drawings, correspondence, cash books, salary books, account books, photographs, specifications and other records, mainly dating from 1953-1972. Most of the files relate to the design of buildings in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide, including the Department of Zoology, Australian National University; Luther College, Melbourne; Menzies College, La Trobe University; CSIRO building, Parkville; and the Australian pavilions for Expo 67 and Expo 70. There are also six files of letters, talks, articles and other personal papers (1953-1970) of Robin Boyd. In addition the SLV holds related material in other collections including important photographs of Boyd’s projects by Mark Strizic, Peter Wille, Wolfgang Sievers, and Lyle Fowler.

The Council wishes to express its thanks for the support and assistance given by the Melbourne School of Design for making this event possible.

Photo Credit: Domain Park perspective 1960, SLV