Robert Matthew

Vocation

Notable

Family

Scottish architect and professor, the first professor of Architecture at Edinburgh University, serving from 1953-68. The son of John Fraser Matthew (1875-1955), a well-respected Scottish architect, he received his training at the Edinburgh College of Art and apprenticed with Lorimer & Matthew, his father’s firm. In 1937, he went to work for the Department of Health for Scotland where he became Chief Architect and Planning Officer. During the post-World War II reconstruction period from 1946-52, he was architect to the London County Council, and due to his confidence, ability as a team player and his architectural abilities, he became very well respected. In 1953, he opened his private practice and got his first commission, Turnhouse Airport, Edinburgh. The success of his commission for New Zealand House, Haymarket, London led directly to the establishment of "Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshal," a partnership he formed in 1956 with Stirrat Johnson-Marshall. Matthew was married and had three children. In 1962, he was knighted. He died on 6/21/1975, Keith Marischal Humble, Scotland. Link to Wikipedia biography