Ronald Martin Wilson Explained

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.

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:

Later life

Wilson died on 19 July 1967 at St Lucia. He was cremated.

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wilson, Ronald Martin (1886–1967). Watson. Don. Wilson. Blair. Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre for Biography, Australian National University. 19 December 2017.
  2. Book: Hogan, Janet. Living History of Brisbane. Boolarong Publications. 1982. 0-908175-41-8. Spring Hill, Queensland. 108.
  3. 1 August 2014.
  4. 1 August 2014.
  5. 19 December 2017.
  6. 1 August 2014.
  7. 11 August 2020.
  8. Web site: Farewell to a legend of Australian architecture: Blair Wilson of Wilson Architects dies aged 83. 7 December 2014.