Biography
A former Winnipeger, Robert moved to Hamilton in the Spring of 1992 after graduating from the University of Western Ontario’s Master of Library and Information Science programme.
His volunteer efforts began almost immediately, researching the history of a prominent local building, the Herkimer Apartments, which were built in 1914-1915. This research would later evolve into a comprehensive understanding of the late Hamilton based architect William Palmer Witton. This would ultimately include the development of a bibliography of the nearly 500 Art & Architecture Books donated to McMaster University in 1948, a manuscript detailing over 500 architectural commissions by this architect and his associates, and a slide lecture. This research has been broadened to encompass the careers of nearly 200 architects who lived and worked in Hamilton from the 1840’s through to 1950.
Robert served on LACAC for several years prior to commencing his current position in 1996, as archivist and records manager for The Woodbridge Company Limited – the private holding company of the late Kenneth R. Thomson and his extended family.
Robert was actively involved for thirteen years with the Hamilton Region Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) dates – 1995 to 2008 The ACO was founded in 1933, and is one of the oldest continuously operated not-for-profits in the Province of Ontario. One of the ACO’s founders was the pre-eminent Beaux Arts architect, the late John M. Lyle, a former Hamiltonian. In addition to his role as Branch President, Robert has acted as an exhibition curator, and tour guide.
During 2004, Robert Co-Chaired the local organizing committee which was responsible for bringing to Hamilton, delegates from 60 communities across Ontario, and internationally, to attend the first joint conference of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and Community Heritage Ontario – “Advocating Adaptive Reuse creating a culture that values our heritage buildings, neighbourhoods and landscapes.”
Robert is married and is blessed with three daughters.