Robert Lawson (architect)

Robert Arthur Lawson (1 January 1833-3 December 1902) is considered one of New Zealand's most eminent 19th century architects.

Related Topics:
1 January - 1833 - 3 December - 1902 - New Zealand - 19th century - Architect

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Lawson has been described as the architect who did more than any other to shape the architectural face of Victorian era cities, especially Dunedin. {{ref|1}} However, it is as the architect of over forty churches, including his monumental Gothic First Church and New Zealand's only complete "castle", Larnach Castle, that he is best remembered.

Related Topics:
Victorian era - Dunedin - Church - Gothic - Larnach Castle

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Born at Newburg, in Fife, Scotland, he emigrated from Scotland in 1854 to Australia and then again in 1862 to New Zealand. He died 3 December 1902, at 69, in Canterbury, New Zealand. Lawson is acclaimed for his work in both the Gothic revival and classical styles of architecture. He was prolific, and while isolated buildings remain in Scotland and Australia, it is in the Dunedin area that most surviving examples can now be found.

Related Topics:
Newburg - Fife - Scotland - 1854 - Australia - 1862 - 3 December - 1902 - Canterbury - New Zealand - Classical

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Today he is held in high esteem in his adopted country; however, at the time of his death his reputation and architectural skills were still held by many in contempt following the partial collapse of his Seacliff lunatic asylum, at the time New Zealand's largest building. In 1900, shortly before his death, he returned to New Zealand from a self-imposed, ten-year exile to re-establish his name, but his sudden demise prevented a full rehabilitation of his reputation. The great plaudits denied him in his lifetime were not to come until nearly a century after his death, when the glories of Victorian architecture began again to be recognised and appreciated.

Related Topics:
Seacliff - Lunatic asylum

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