Boyd discusses Australia and New Zealand's search for their own 'modern' architectural style. Boyd points out the influence of the natural landscape that affects these designs and architectural decisions. In addition, he argues that the search for 'modern' architecture isn't rushed due to the need of respecting the natural landscape of both Australia and New ZealandOriginal manuscript of an article 'Australia in seclusion’ published in Journal of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, Vol. 34, September 1967, pp.270-275.Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 21 pages (two copies of page 9)walter burley griffin, harold desbrowe annear, robert haddon, seabrook and fildes, roy grounds, geoffrey mewton, edward f. billson, best overent (overend), modern architecture, sydney opera house, ian mckay's c/b/ alexander presbyterian agriculture college, ernest kump, sydney school, california, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses the things that influence architects to devise form, particularly the relationship between the engineer and architect. He gives a history of the Opera House and Jørn Utzon's creative process in relation to debates around functionalism and the justification for sculptural forms.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits. 2nd copy 34 q 4-6 missing, quarto, 34 pages. (Two copies)functionalism, le corbusier, ronchamp chapel, sculpture, guggenheim gallery, jørn utzon, sydney opera house, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses the future planning of two major symbolic national buildings - Parliament House and the National Centre (an arts centre).Original manuscript of an article published as 'Symbol City' in The Australian on 28.11.1964.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagescanberra, parliament house, national centre, chandigarh, brasilia, robin boyd, manuscript, national capital

Boyd advocates that Canberra's proposed permanent Parliament House needs to be a vital symbol and suggests an open national competition should be used to select the architect.Original manuscript of an article published as 'Young Australia in Steel and Concrete', published in 'The Australian'.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagescanberra, parliament house, national competition, robin boyd, manuscript, national capital

Description of a Tasmanian Style of domestic architecture as developed by colonial builders and the occasional architect. Boyd admires the ingenuous nature of these buildings, describing Tasmania as a living museum.Published as ‘Tasmania – The Houses’, pp.15 - 16 in 'Priceless Heritage: Historic Buildings of Tasmania', Platypus Publications, Hobart. 1964 Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pagestasmania, colonial georgian, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd takes a brief look at the oldest part of Melbourne, and the Customs House.Published as a chapter titled 'Customs House – Yarra River – Queen's Bridge' in The Book of Melbourne and Canberra, The Griffin Press, Adelaide 1966Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 1 pagecustoms house, melbourne, robert russell, old st james cathedral, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses and approves of the initiative of Australian architecture students shown by their holding their own architectural convention. The convention tackled the issues of the 'House of Tomorrow' and the types of technology that that can be manipulated and used for better design. Students also invited international guests to comment and judge the exhibition.Original manuscript published as ‘Young architects show their nerve’ in 'The Australian' on 19.06.1965. Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pageseric lyons, tom marshall, john blanshard, patwant singh, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses Walter Burley Griffin's effect on Australian architectural culture. Also considers his place within the Chicago School more broadly. Boyd believes Griffin to be more human, sensitive, and skillful compared to Frank Lloyd Wright, and laments that Griffin did not build more in Australia.This may be a lecture/talk - there are notes on the back.Handwritten, quarto, 2 pagesAll-caps inscription on the back of 2nd page - possibly a shorthand summary of the talk. Uncertain if this is Boyd's handwriting.walter burley griffin, old parliament house, canberra, louis sullivan, frank lloyd wright, capitol theatre, robin boyd, manuscript

Discussion of the history of the 'glass box', i.e. the glazed curtain wall skyscraper and its appearance and demise in Australia. Also discusses the phenomenon of multi-storey car parks, and RMIT student designs for Victoria Market.Published as "Death notice: The End of the Glass Box/Birth Notice: A New 3-D Style for a City" in 'The Australian' on 13/11/1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 8 pagesaustralia square, bates, smart & mccutcheon, john a la gerche, walter gropius, ici house, mcconnel, smith and johnson, harry seidler, sydney opera house, un secretariat, bogle and banfield, peter mcintyre, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses the Estate of Nareeb, Kooyong Rd; 1888. The National Trust is disinterested, land denuded and house demolished, and there is needless destruction of natural and historic relics for redevelopment, particular destruction of trees exclusive to Australia. Boyd says it shows no consideration for future residents; innocence and undemanding passivity of consumers.Original manuscript of an article published as 'The Rape of Nareeb' in The Australian in 06.03.1965.Typewritten, quarto, 6 pagesnareeb, kooyong rd; national trust; destruction of natural historical environment; redevelopment, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd's view of the development of Australian architecture's progression over the years and the slowly forming identity of Australian architecture.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagesmodern australia, o-y-o (on your own) flats, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses exemplar cases of historical preservation, and many lost opportunities. The task of preserving Australia's historic relics is left to volunteers and amateurs, with notable exception of Nunawading, unlike almost every other countries In other countries, the Government recognises its responsibility and Boyd presents examples. He suggests a model that Australia could follow.Original manuscript of an article published in "The Australian", 23.10.1965Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 9 pagesst matthew's church, francis greenway, robe, ormerod cottages, robe customs house, avoca lodge, andrew hayward newell, preservation, conservation, robin boyd, manuscript

A plan of double storey small apartment/house.Handwritten (pencil), quarto, 1 pagessketch plan, robin boyd

Piece discussing and defending the construction of the Sydney Opera House and Jorn Utzon. Boyd recounts how the impatience of Sydney and necessity to show the progress of the building have resulted in premature construction and inflation of the cost. Piece ends with questioning whether the Opera House will be worth it. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.19).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 18.09.1965. This is the first part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D175 and D176).Typewritten, quarto, 10 pagesjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, international architecture competition, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Account of the international competition for the Sydney Opera House, in which Eero Saarinen claims responsibility for the outcome. The building costs progressively grow due to the redesign of the shells to conform to more conventional construction methods. Article concludes that, despite cost increase that will eventually be forgotten, the success of the Sydney Opera House will be determined by whether the initial vision will be carried through. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.20).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 20.09.1965. This is the second part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D174 and D176).Typewritten, quarto, 8 pagesPencil mark ups on first pageinternational architecture competitions, sydney opera house, jorn utzon, sydney opera house project, eero saarinen, design vision, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Article questioning the assessment of the success of the Sydney Opera House by three main categories: will it work; artistically, is the vision exciting; what does the project do for Australian culture? Article concludes that the true worth of the Sydney Opera House is in its audacity, presence on the global stage, and its patronage to the arts. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.21).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 21.09.1965. This is the third part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D174 and D175).Typewritten, quarto, 8 pagesinternational architecture competition, utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Notes regarding sculptural form of Opera House design and Utzon's professionalism; and relationship with ARUPHandwritten, quarto, 1 page. Over a letter from Travelodge confirming cancellation of reservationjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, arup, bucky, buckminster fuller, robin boyd, manuscript

An account of the protest march from the Sydney Opera House to NSW parliament house.Typewritten, quarto, 3 pagesjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, robin boyd, manuscript

A summary of the tension and treatment between those who support or are against the Sydney Opera House. Names of international architects who were in support of Utzon were mentioned. Highlights the 'tall poppy syndrome' among the conservative architects and politicians, as well as accusations towards RAIA for not supporting Utzon.Typewritten, pencil edits, foolscap, 2 pagesPencil editsjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, paul rudolph, sigfried giedion, louis kahn, raia, neville gruzman, robin boyd, manuscript

The aftermath of Utzon's resignation from the Sydney Opera House project. The NSW Minister of Public Works, Davis Hughes, despite being involved with Utzon's resignation, requested Utzon's drawings; however, Utzon was continuing to hold the drawings until he received payment (approx $500,000).Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 1 pagesjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, davis hughes, raia president ron a. gilling, robin boyd, manuscript

Robin Boyd was involved in creating several TV series for the ABC University of the Air. 'Design in Australia' was an eight part series. (Items D184-D193 contain all the manuscripts except part six titled 'Communications'.) In Part 2, through a brief discussion of the history of Australian houses, both urban and rural, Boyd points out distinct Australian qualities that differentiate the domestic houses from their European and American origins. Boyd believes that the Australian suburban villa is authentically vernacular in the sense of social phenomenon.This is a draft script for the ABC television program 'University of the Air', subtitled 'Design in Australia', broadcast in 1965.Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 16 pagesuniversity of the air, design in australia, robin boyd, private home, homesteads, australian home, suburban villa, vernacular, manuscript

The flames closed in on the house and Granny and the children were terrified. But meanwhile, high in the sky above them, exercising his powers in scientific rainmaking, was The Flying Dogtor. The sky was filled with rain and it put out the fire. Crafty Carson Carpetbag and Old Man Redback, with the help of Elvis Evil Eagle, got a hold of the rainmaking powder and schemed to start a flood.The Flying Dogtor" series was broadcast on Australian Television Network (later becoming the Seven Network) between February and April 1964 (see item D254 for schedule).Typewritten, carbon copy, foolscap, 5 pagesthe flying dogtor, robin boyd, crawford productions, manuscript

Robin Boyd most likely saw Solstar at Asher Bilu's exhibition at South Yarra Gallery in September 1968. In November 1968, Robin Boyd arranged for the loan of this painting from South Yarra Gallery to Australian Pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka, where Boyd was appointed Exhibit Architect. It hung in the bedroom over a bed, containing a life-size cut-out figure by Bruce Petty, in the Model House Interior exhibit on modern living in the Space Tube. On its return from Expo, the painting was in transit at the Boyd's home in Walsh Street and they liked it so much that they decided to buy it. Solstar originally hung on the wall at the end of the galley kitchen. The artwork at the Boyd's home in Walsh St has been moved several times over the years. Solstar now hangs above the dining table, but at the time of Solstar's acquisition, the Boyds hung the painting "Winter Triumphant" (1920) by Penleigh Boyd, Robin Boyd’s father, above the dining table. In early 2021, Asher and Luba Bilu visited Walsh St to view Solstar again. Asher was extremely happy with how the painting looked and its condition 53 years after painting it. He requested it be hung a little higher and he returned in April to make some minor restorations to remove scratches. Silver mixed media with large black circular area in the central lower half. On reverse has the title: Solstar/A. Bilu/Arrow showing which way up. Unsigned on the front.asher bilu, penleigh boyd, expo 70, osaka, robin boyd, south yarra gallery, walsh st artwork, ohm2022, ohm2022_13

Robin Boyd designed this wooden platform bed specifically for the Walsh St house. It is in keeping with the space's dual purpose as a sitting room and master bedroom.Wooden platform bed with solid base and 4 cigar shaped legs with round flat brass metal feet.walsh st furnishings, robin boyd

The Boyd family recall that Robin Boyd always took a thermos filled with tea on drives to look at land, houses or new cars.Thermos/jug with cork stopper, aluminium body and stopper handleThermos/jug with cork stopper, aluminium body and stopper handlecookware, walsh st kitchenware, robin boyd

Robin Boyd had the sound system put in by a friend who ran the iconic Thomas’ Music in the city of Melbourne. The Boyd family thinks that Robin designed the facade and logo for Thomas’ Music. Penleigh Boyd recalls "there was no 'hi-fi' record player in the living room until about 1963. Robin always had the speaker holes in the floating joinery unit but couldn’t afford the necessary equipment till years after we had moved into the house. Apparently one time some guest looked at the speaker holes (they had matchstick blind screening) and asked Robin what type of equipment he had. That was enough for Robin, and he immediately had a system installed - the one that is still there." (See also the amplifier item F030.)Turntable without lidthomas' music, sound system, walsh st house, ohm2022, ohm2022_8

Robin Boyd had the sound system put in by a friend who ran the iconic Thomas’ Music in the city of Melbourne. The Boyd family think that Robin designed the facade and logo for Thomas’ Music. Penleigh Boyd's recalls " there was no “hi-fi” record player at the living room end till about 1963. Robin always had the speaker holes in the floating joinery unit but couldn’t afford the necessary equipment till years after we had moved into the house. Apparently onetime some guest looked at the speaker holes (they had matchstick blind screening) and asked Robin what type of equipment he had? That was enough for Robin, and he immediately had a system installed - the one that is still there." See also item F029.Tempo solid state stereo amplifier in timber surroundthomas' music, sound system, walsh st house, robin boyd, walsh st

The floor covering in the living/dining room was originally seagrass matting as seen in the Strizic photographs of 1959 and 1963. This was replaced after the Boyd's saw a large cream rug floor covering at the Shelmerdine's house and liked it. It was purchased from Myer. In 2007, that rug was found to be moth-eaten and treated and put into storage. Now a similar rug of the same size has replaced the rug purchased by the Boyds.Cream wool with fringeswalsh st furnishings, robin boyd

This scale model is an unbuilt Boyd design for a project names Carnich Towers on 60 Clarendon St, East Melbourne. Boyd's perspective drawings from the late 1960's show the influence of Japanese Metabolist thinking in his late work. This model was created for the House of Ideas exhibition, made by a University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Design, Masters student.Model of Boyd designed Clarendon St Flats, East Melbourne 1969-1971 (unbuilt)robin boyd

The Boyd's saw this type of floor covering at the Shelmerdine's house and liked it and purchased it. See also item F071.Cream wool with fringe."Woods Carpets Cleaning" 2 labels. Cleaned 11/9/96 and "1960".walsh st furnishings, robin boyd