Lawson utilised recycled materials well before it was considered to be fashionable or desirable, and was an early pioneer of building conversions in 1912, many decades ahead of his time. He was, in fact, a very progressive architect, with a keen interest in bettering lives through considered town planning and thoughtful design. 1935–1936), his reputation has suffered over the decades due to misinformation and a misunderstanding of events.

Known today as the eclectic architect who designed the highly dramatic Beverley Hills flats at South Yarra (c. This article explores some of the myths surrounding the early twentieth-century Victorian architect, Howard R Lawson. She is currently engaged in further research for a book on Lawson, building on her discoveries and understanding of his architecture gained through research at Public Record Office Victoria. Having ‘accidentally’ bought a Lawson house a few years ago, Virginia was curious as to the thinking of its architect. This article was inspired by her minor research thesis on the life and architectural works of Howard R Lawson. Virginia Blue is a Master of Urban Cultural Heritage graduate from the University of Melbourne, and an interior designer who focuses on heritage architecture in her practice Blue Fruit, based at the Abbotsford Convent.

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