The Extraordinary Life of
Howard R Lawson
The book is almost here!
Pre-order the limited edition biography now.
Softcover book available late November,
hardcover book early December.
Architect of Optimism:
The much-anticipated biography is almost here!
The much-anticipated biography is almost here!
What is the book about?
If you walk down Darling Street in South Yarra, you will spot one of Melbourne’s most distinctive works of architecture: the Beverley Hills flats. Glamorous and confident, they have drawn admirers for generations. But until now, the remarkable man who created them has been largely forgotten. His name was Howard Ratcliff Lawson.
Architect of Optimism tells the true story of the early 20th century architect Howard R Lawson for the first time. He began his career with some rather daring and futuristic ideas in the 1910s. He went on to shape Melbourne’s skyline with a boldness that set him apart from his peers.
Lawson had some pretty unconventional views about architecture, building, and urban design. He was a visionary in so many ways.
As well as the extraordinary Beverley Hills flats, around the corner he designed and built the much-loved colourful apartments around Alexandra Avenue, at South Yarra, Melbourne, in the mid 1930s.
But he also created over 200 other buildings. Whilst living a fascinating life.
Architect of Optimism is the first landmark biography which documents his life and soul-filled architecture. This biography explores the ideas, ambitions and challenges which defined him. It examines his optimistic belief in a brighter future, and the importance of emotional architecture, which was embedded in everything he designed and built. It also reflects on how we could still learn from his rebelliously creative ideas.
Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, an architecture lover, a historian or someone who has always wondered about the people behind the buildings we pass every day, Architect of Optimism will change the way you see what a city can be.
Because everyone loves a rebel with charm …
Why pre-order?
Be among the first to read it. Pre-orders are dispatched as soon as each edition is released.
Choose your edition. The softcover arrives at the end of November. The collectible hardcover follows in early December.
Pre-sale bonus. First 100 orders receive a signed bookplate.
A perfect Christmas gift. Both editions arrive in time for the holidays, ideal for anyone who loves Melbourne, design or a great life story.
Reserve your copy of Architect of Optimism today.
“This book brings us a rollicking story, but it is also an account peppered with profound insights. Blue brings the larger-than-life figure of Howard Lawson to life.”
“Over the past seven years, I have greatly enjoyed reminiscing and contributing to author Virginia Blue’s research into Howard Lawson’s life.”
Architecture designed
for community,
heart and soul.
Who is the Author?
Virginia Blue is a heritage interior designer at Blue Fruit, and a published researcher on Howard Lawson.
Virginia Blue has spent seven years researching Howard Lawson’s life and architecture, and untangling the truth from myth.
Virginia’s research was sparked by her thesis on his life and architecture, completed as part of a Master of Urban Cultural Heritage at University Melbourne.
She has published a small sample of these findings, in conjunction with Public Records Victoria and the journal of the Australian Institute of Architects.
But the rest of Howard Lawson’s true story, of his extraordinary life and architecture, will be revealed in her upcoming biography about him.
Order your pre-sale copy of the limited edition book now, with a signed bookplate for the first 100 orders.
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