Basic Biographical Details

Name: Robertson & Marks
Designation:  
Born: 1892
Died:  
Bio Notes: George Birrell Robertson commenced independent practice in 1892, in partnership with Theodore John Marks (1865-1941) with offices in O’Connell Street, Sydney. Both men had been employed by George Allan Mansfield, Robertson from his arrival in Sydney in 1880 to 1892 and Marks from 1885 until 1890.

In the years that followed the firm became one of the most prestigious architectural offices in New South Wales. Robertson & Marks become known as one of the best exponents of Richardson’s American Romanesque and played a leading role in the evolution of the Federation Warehouse style in Sydney. His son, Stuart Robertson, also trained as an architect and followed his father into the practice.

As senior partner in the practice, George Birrell Robertson was involved with the construction of some of the largest buildings in Sydney at the time, including Challis House, Martin Place (1908, now demolished) and the Commercial Travellers Club Buildings, Moore and Castlereagh Streets.

Further large commissions were obtained after Robertson’s death including the Daily Telegraph buildings (1913-1916), the Perpetual Trustee Company, (1917), Farmer & Company, and Prouds Ltd (1920), the head office of the Bank of New South Wales, Martin Place (1924-1929), the Prince Edward Theatre (1925) for E J and Dan Carroll, the Mercantile Mutual Building, Pitt Street (1929), and additions to Sydney Hospital. Marks also designed a number of private residences, including Llanillo, Bellevue Hill (1902), for his friend, Sir Colin Stephen.

Robertson & Marks remains one of the oldest architectural firms in continuous practice in Sydney.

Employment and Training

Employees or Pupils

The following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 2George Birrell Robertson18921913Partner 
Item 2 of 2Theodore John Marks18921941Partner 

References

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Building News25 April 1913  p590 G B Robertson obituary