Dear Supporters and friends,
We are writing to update you on the current situation with the Robin Boyd Foundation.
For the past 18 months, we have been successful with activities and strong programming. Last year,
we celebrated the important milestone of 100 years since the birth of Robin Boyd. As custodians of
the iconic Walsh Street property, we continue to maintain the house and garden to protect and
preserve Robin Boyd’s legacy.
As always, the Foundation’s income depends largely on the ongoing support from the Boyd Circle,
corporate sponsors, house tours, our annual Open Day program, our Friends program, private use of
the house and your generous donations.
Like so many other organisations, the virus pandemic has heavily impacted our activities and our
income.
In response to the crisis, the Board has been forced to make difficult decisions about our operations
in 2020. Most painfully, we have had to let go of our committed and hardworking staff – including our
fearless CEO. We wish them all the best during this difficult period and into the future.
The Foundation’s purpose and vision remain the same during this challenging time. The Robin Boyd
Foundation is the custodian of the legacy of Robin Boyd and the Walsh Street house that he
designed and built and in which he and his family lived.
Regardless of the pandemic, we need to clean the gutters, maintain the garden and carefully look
after the contents of the house. So, at least for now, to safeguard Robin Boyd’s iconic residence
in Walsh Street as a national cultural asset, we will be relying on our Board, our dedicated
volunteers and each of you.
Inspired by Boyd, our mission to provoke and lead critical dialogue on Australian architecture and
design will continue. We have much to look forward to once this crisis is over and will remain
a forceful platform for enhancing the power of architecture and design at a time when it will
be vital to return to the tangible experiences of real places and personal connections. In a
changed world, the need to share Boyd’s legacy will likely be stronger than ever.
In the meantime, please keep in touch via our social media channels – Instagram, Facebook and
Twitter – for updates and virtual events.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Walsh Street soon.
Tony Isaacson
Chair, on behalf of the Board