Robertson, Doris Howard 1899 - 1981

Doris Howard Robertson [also known as Lady Robertson; and as Doris Adeney Robertson] was born Doris Adeney Lewis in Kew, Victoria, Australia on 8 March 1899. She subsequently moved to England where she married the American-born British architect Howard Morley Robertson (1888-1979). She trained as an architect at the Architectutal Association Schools in London. In 1925 she was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) and in 1926 was awarded the RIBA Alfred Bossom Gold Medal.

A photograph of a tubular light above a mirror and dressing table, designed by her is illustrated in 'Decorative Art' 1938 (p.121); photographs of the sitting room and living room in the house of the Marquesa de Casa Maura designed by her are illustrated in 'Decorative Art' 1939 (pp.43, 46, 58); photographs of two room interiors designed by her are illustrated in 'Art and Industry' vol.38, no.226, April 1945 (pp.108, 114); a photograph of a club dining room designed by her is illustrated in 'Art and Industry' vol.39, no.230, August 1945 (p.36); and photographs of a room interior and a businessman's study designed by her are illustrated in 'Art and Industry' vol.39, no.232, October 1945 (pp.99, 102).

In 1945 Ideal Home magazine ran a series of articles entitled 'Planning for the Future' in which they invited architects to expound their vision of the post-war house. The first article featured a 'House that Grows' by Doris Howard Robertson. The two-storey house she envisaged had a sun-terrace, air conditioning, and bathrooms on both floors so that it could be used as a single dwelling or two flats.

Doris Howard Robertson address was given as 4 Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn, London and "Moorest", Ploughley, Oxfordshire in 1939; 12 Kingsgate, Red Lion Square, London in 1950; and 59 Montagu Street, London in 1981. She died in Westminster, London on 21 May 1981.