Scotch College

Robinson portraits unveiled

The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association presented two portraits to the School at assembly on Wednesday 16 April.

Words: An extract from Dr Donaldson’s assembly address

Sir Arthur Robinson

The name of Arthur Robinson has had a long association with Scotch College and continues to this day being the name of one of our three boarding houses.

Born in 1872 Arthur Robinson was the nephew of Australia’s first Prime Minister Edmund Barton. He was educated at Scotch College and Melbourne University and was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1896.

He was also very interested in politics and was elected to the Victorian Parliament at the age of 28, and later represented the seat of Wannon in the Federal Parliament. He was knighted in 1923.

Sir Arthur Robinson had extensive financial and commercial interests but Scotch College was his deep and abiding passion.

He was chairman of the School Council from 1934–1945 and President of OSCA from 1923–1943. He was very active in the relocation of the School from East Melbourne to Hawthorn. It has been said that “it was due to his foresight, energy and enthusiasm that we owe this school site today.”

Sir Arthur was also a key figure in fundraising for the Memorial Hall and later the Chapel for which he laid the foundation stone.

We are very pleased to accept Peter Churcher’s portrait of Sir Arthur Robinson, and I would invite his grandson, Mr Michael Robinson, to unveil the portrait – he will be assisted by Martin Lipshut who is Vice Captain of Arthur Robinson House.

Mr Michael Robinson

Sir Arthur Robinson died in 1945, the same year that his young grandson Michael aged seven started as a student at Scotch College as a boarder. As a student Michael was part of the centenary celebrations of 1951 and saw the departure of Mr Gilray and arrival of Mr Selby Smith.

Michael studied Law and has had a distinguished legal career with interest in Australia and overseas. He has headed several boards including the Epworth Hospital and the Bionic Ear Institute, and has served as a director of numerous companies and organisations.

Michael’s contribution to Australia was recognised in 2001 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

He has been a very active Old Boy and was a member of the OSCA Council from 1981–1989 and was its President in 1989. He was also President of the Scotch College Foundation from 1993–1996.

Michael joined the Scotch College Council in 1986 and was Chairman for 11 years until his retirement at the end of 2006.

The financial stability and outstanding physical facilities that Scotch currently enjoys is in no small part due to the dedication and energy of Michael Robinson.

We are delighted to receive a portrait of Michael Robinson which has been painted by Ms Raelene Sharp.

I have pleasure in inviting Mrs Judith Robinson to unveil the portrait of Michael – she will be assisted by the School Captain Ed Whitelaw.