Ronald Martin Wilson
Ronald Martin Wilson (1886–1967) was an architect and engineer in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A number of his works are heritage-listed.[1]
Early life
Ronald Martin Wilson was born 14 July 1886 in Yeronga in Brisbane, the son of architect Alexander Brown Wilson. He attended the Brisbane Normal School and the Brisbane Grammar School. He worked in his father's architecture firm as an assistant while completing a degree in engineering at the University of Queensland.[1]
Engineering
The first meeting of the Greater Brisbane Council in March 1925 established Cross River Commission to establish what bridges were needed for Brisbane. There were three members: chairman Roger Hawken, Professor of Engineering at the University of Queensland, William Muir Nelson and Wilson. Their report showed 11 proposed river crossings, and considered costs and savings made due to the reduction in haulage costs etc, and the need for a railway bridge was also discussed. Their report ultimately led to the construction of the William Jolly Bridge and the Story Bridge, but their proposal for a bridge at New Farm has yet to be realised.[2][3]
Architectural works
Notable works by Wilson include:
- Cliffside Apartments in Kangaroo Point, listed on the Queensland Heritage Register[4]
- St Lucia Presbyterian Church listed on the Brisbane Heritage Register[5]
- conversion of a private home in Chelmer into a World War II convalescent hospital, The Lady Wilson Red Cross Convalescent Home, later the Chelmer Police College, listed on the Queensland Heritage Register[6]
- St George's Greek Orthodox Church, South Brisbane, circa 1958, listed on the Brisbane Heritage Register[7]
Later life
Wilson died on 19 July 1967 at St Lucia. He was cremated.[1]
Legacy
The Wilson family of architects have contributed to Brisbane architectural practice for over 130 years through four generations: Alexander Brown Wilson, Ronald Martin Wilson, Blair Wilson and Hamilton Wilson. Since 2014, the practice is known as Wilson Architects.[8]
References
- ^ a b c Watson, Don; Wilson, Blair. "Wilson, Ronald Martin (1886–1967)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre for Biography, Australian National University. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- ^ Hogan, Janet (1982). Living History of Brisbane. Spring Hill, Queensland: Boolarong Publications. p. 108. ISBN 0-908175-41-8.
- ^ "William Jolly Bridge (entry 601694)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ^ "Cliffside Apartments (entry 601650)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ^ "Church". Brisbane Heritage Register. Brisbane City Council. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- ^ "Chelmer Police College (former) (entry 602340)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ^ "St George's Greek Orthodox Church". Brisbane Heritage Register. Brisbane City Council. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Farewell to a legend of Australian architecture: Blair Wilson of Wilson Architects dies aged 83". Retrieved 7 December 2014.
