To commemorate the 100^th birth anniversary of legendary Australian architect Robin Boyd, the Heide Museum of Modern Art is showcasing a new exhibition titled Robin Boyd: Design Legend. The exhibition will run from 3 August – 27 October 2019, and will bring alive the work of the highly-revered architect, who was also among the nation’s first public intellectuals and architectural media celebrities.

Boyd House, Walsh Street, South Yarra 1958 Architect: Robin Boyd. Photograph: John Gollings 2012 © John Gollings

Robin Boyd: Design Legend is expected to be presented at the iconic modernist building Heide II and will explore some of the architect’s key design themes and principles through 10 of his distinctive houses. And, while it will showcase photos and drawings of all 10 houses, it will also include architectural models created by architecture students from RMIT under the supervision of architect Christopher Hewson. A dynamic new film on Boyd’s life and work and some original archival material will also be presented. In addition to the exhibition, a tailored public program, which includes open home tours of some of the houses showcased, will also be conducted in September and October.  

Speaking about the exhibition, Artistic Director, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Lesley Harding said, “We are delighted to offer unparalleled access to some of his (Robin) iconic residential designs through our open house program and look forward to celebrating the centenary of this acclaimed architect.”

Baker House, Bacchus Marsh 1964-66 Architect: Robin Boyd Photograph: John Gollings 2006 © John Gollings

Interestingly, during his illustrious career, Boyd worked on over 300 projects ranging from residences to civic buildings. His idea was to inspire and provoke an awareness in people about good design. Through the exhibition, viewers and attendees will be brought face-to-face with Boyd’s key design themes. Some of the prominent houses include the House of Tomorrow (1949), Boyd’s own house in Walsh Street, South Yarra (1958), the Featherston house, Ivanhoe (1967-9) as well as homes local to Heide.

Featherston House, Ivanhoe 1967-9 Architect: Robin Boyd. Photograph: John Gollings 2011 © John Gollings

While the exhibition aims at introducing new audiences to Boyd’s extensive body of work, those familiar will have an opportunity to reconnect with the architect’s belief that good design can transform the world. Audiences can also look forward to his work in publishing, furniture and exhibition design. To know more stay tuned to the Heide website.

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