Expressions of Respect and Admiration During His Career
Bob was known for actively avoiding the spotlight. Colleagues described him as 'one of the kindest, generous and self-effacing people' (Craddock Morton) who worked 'within his quiet way' (John Moriarty), always putting others — and the causes he championed — ahead of his own recognition. Despite his best efforts to stay behind the scenes, the sheer scope and volume of his work meant that, even during his career, others felt compelled to speak publicly about what he had achieved.
National Museum Australia Tribute to Bob Edwards
Explore the full tribute.
On 22 March 2011, the National Museum of Australia held a day in Bob's honour, bringing together friends, colleagues, protégés and admirers to reflect on his seven decades of contribution to Australian museums, archaeology, Aboriginal art and culture, and bringing the world's great exhibitions to Australia.
Several of the reflections featured on this site were first shared that day — including from Jenny Isaacs, Craddock Morton and John Moriarty on the Aboriginal Arts Board page, Peter Stanley on the homepage, and Neil MacGregor on the Museums and Bringing the World to Australia pages.
Sjraar van Heugten
("Van Gogh and the Seasons," National Gallery of Victoria, in association with Art Exhibitions Australia, 2017.)
"Few who met Bob failed to warm to the charm of his personality, or to succumb to the persistence of his advocacy. Much of Bob Edwards's work has been undertaken behind the scenes, self-effacingly but persistently, persuading the right people with the right arguments to do the right thing."
Neil MacGregor
("A man who changed everything he touched," NMA Tribute Day, 22 March 2011.)
"We are all here to honour our colleague and our friend Bob Edwards and indeed the several Bob Edwards: the hardy, tough scholar and student of Aboriginal cultures and societies... the deft museum manager and manipulator, the man who was able to play the politics with flawless fingering and disconcerting skill; and the international negotiator and wheeler dealer who moved elegantly and effectively around the museums of the world and smilingly removed most of their most precious possessions. People from all of those worlds are here today. Bob has not only played leading transforming roles in all of those worlds, but I think it's fair to say he has changed every one of them."
Peter Stanley
("A most extraordinary man," The Canberra Times, 22 March 2011.)
"Bob Edwards is an ordinary name; about as ordinary as you can get. But the Bob Edwards the museum world admires is, without question, one of the most important figures in Australia's cultural history over the past 30 odd years. Our Edwards has been a leading curator of anthropology, a key figure in the study of indigenous art and culture, a museum director and the progenitor of a revolution in Australia's entree to world culture."
Anne McCormick
("The Collection of Robert Edwards AO," Hordern House catalogue, 2012.)
"Bob's gentle demeanour veils a strong character; he is an intelligent collector and an insightful man. Over the decades we have been friends, our shared bookshop cups of tea have always been accompanied by wide-ranging and fascinating discussions....nothing has been too big or small for us to discuss. Bob has an open mind and a generous spirit."
Doug Hall
("Master of Arts," Good Weekend (The Age), 13 May 1995.)
"Bob is like the family Labrador who always greets you with infectious enthusiasm. But beneath that charm is someone with enormous intelligence, a tremendous background in a range of cultural areas — and one of the best networkers you will ever find. In terms of Australian cultural policy...over the last few decades, Bob Edwards has been a critical influence in raising awareness among governments and their agencies about Aboriginal material culture, developing new museums, the importance of touring exhibitions, and what it all means to Australia."
Geoffrey Maslen
("Mr up and running eases off," The Age, 8 Dec 2000.)
"Apart from an uncanny ability to establish warm relations with people in every walk of life...Edwards's greatest attribute is an irrepressible enthusiasm coupled with a drive to succeed. 'Bob is a cross between Benny Hill and Field Marshal Montgomery,' a friend once observed, referring to the ever-present good humour that masks an iron resolve."