Robinson, Arthur J., 1921-2008

Graphic designer. Arthur J. Robinson was born in Australia in 1921. After Army service during the Second World War, Robinson trained as a graphic designer at East Sydney School of Art. He established a multidisciplinary studio in Sydney, and married and had two sons. From 1964-1980 Robinson was engaged as a consultant by the National Library of Australia. He worked with Fred Ward on designs for the public and office areas. He used Australian timbers, fabrics and carpets in his work on colour schemes, interiors and reading rooms.

In the last four years of his working life, Robinson was employed by the Library to work on exhibition design, foyer displays, interiors, the ceiling in the Library's theatre and the lighting of the foyer. Robinson was a member of the Industrial Design Institute of Australia and served on its Council, serving as president and secretary for several terms. He was awarded an Institute Fellowship in 1971 and received a Life Fellowship of the Design Institute of Australia in 1993 for distinctive service to the profession. Robinson died in Canberra in 2008.