E. Graeme Robertson

An upbringing in an industrial suburb of Melbourne would have been unlikely to lead to the productive life of Graeme Robertson. After graduating in medicine from Melbourne University and residency at the Melbourne Hospital, he completed his postgraduate training at Queen Square in London, the world's leading hospital in neurology. After returning to Melbourne and the Melbourne Hospital (later Royal Melbourne Hospital), he gained international recognition for his work in the specialty. Not being content with this, he used his spare time to photograph and study the use of decorative cast iron in architecture with the hope of encouraging its preservation, because much was being lost due to the efforts of property developers. Several books on the use of cast iron, including a world survey, also led to him being known in many countries. Intent on preserving the best of the past, he persuaded the National Trust to restore a sailing ship, the Polly Woodside, which was being used as a coal hulk. He led the process of restoration, overcoming many obstacles, including finding sufficient funds, rebuilding the ship from the hull up and finding a site for public display. Graeme Robertson was a quiet and modest man who worked hard to achieve many successes.