Papers of Arthur J. Robinson, 1967-1991 (bulk 1987-1991) [manuscript]
- Bib ID:
- 5717670
- Format:
- Manuscript
- Author:
- Robinson, Arthur J., 1921-2008
- Related Online Resources:
- Finding aid available at National Library of Australia
- Access Conditions:
- Available for research. Not for loan.
- Description:
-
- [1967-1991]
- 1.70 m. (18 map folios) + 1 fol. box.
- Summary:
-
MS Acc10.016 comprises floor plans, technical drawings, sketches, photographs, correspondence and texts documenting Arthur J. Robinson's career as a graphic designer, largely in his role as consultant to the National Library of Australia. The records include manuscript and copies of furniture designs and layouts for all floors in the Library, including its reading rooms. There are original sketches of furniture, as well as several black and white photographs of interior views of the Library and a montage looking west from the Library from ca. 1968. Other papers relating to the Library include a promotional booklet published by the National Capital Development Commission, ca. 1969, correspondence relating to Robinson's design brief, a report by Walter Bunning on the Library's exhibition areas, and a statement by Robinson on "Visual factors in the arrangement of the Library foyer". In addition, there are floor plans for the Myer Emporium in Melbourne, new Parliament House in Canberra and several other commercial premises (18 map folios, 1 fol. box).
- Biography/History:
-
Graphic designer. Arthur J. Robinson was born in Australia in 1921. After Army service during the Second World War, Robinson trained as a graphic designer at East Sydney School of Art. He established a multidisciplinary studio in Sydney, and married and had two sons. From 1964-1980 Robinson was engaged as a consultant by the National Library of Australia. He worked with Fred Ward on designs for the public and office areas. He used Australian timbers, fabrics and carpets in his work on colour schemes, interiors and reading rooms.
In the last four years of his working life, Robinson was employed by the Library to work on exhibition design, foyer displays, interiors, the ceiling in the Library’s theatre and the lighting of the foyer. Robinson was a member of the Industrial Design Institute of Australia and served on its Council, serving as president and secretary for several terms. He was awarded an Institute Fellowship in 1971 and received a Life Fellowship of the Design Institute of Australia in 1993 for distinctive service to the profession. Robinson died in Canberra in 2008.
- Notes:
-
- Manuscript reference no.: MS Acc10.016.
- Associated materials: Furniture design drawings of Arthur J. Robinson, 1965-1981 MS Acc10.043.
- Subject:
-
- Robinson, Arthur J., 1921-2008 -- Archives
- National Library of Australia -- Equipment and supplies
- Industrial designers -- Australia -- Archives
- Interior architecture -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra
- Library decoration -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra
- Library fittings and supplies -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra
- Library buildings -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra -- Designs and plans
- Canberra (A.C.T.) -- Buildings, structures, etc. -- Designs and plans
- Time Coverage:
- 1967-1991
- Occupation:
- Other authors/contributors:
- Bunning, Walter, 1912-1977
- Terms of Use:
- Copying of Arthur J. Robinson's copyright material permitted for research purposes.
- Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
If you wish to copy or order copies, contact us. For access conditions return to the record display above.
- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary, dramatic or musical work
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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