Robert Russell (architect)
Coordinates: 37°42′26″S 144°56′17.9″E / 37.70722°S 144.938306°E Robert Russell (13 February 1808 – 10 April 1900) was an architect and surveyor, active in Australia. He conducted the first survey of the site of the nascent settlement of Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River in 1836, and designed St James Old Cathedral, the oldest building remaining in central Melbourne (albeit not on its original site). He was also a prolific and talented artist and his work is held by major libraries and galleries in Australia.
Russell was born near Kennington Common, London, England, the son of Robert Russell, a merchant, and his wife Margaret, née Leslie. After a 'sound education', Russell 'had his first business experience' in Edinburgh in 1823 where he was articled to the architect and surveyor William Burn. After some time in London, where he worked in the office of John Nash, Russell moved to Drogheda, Ireland to work on the ordnance survey. This experience gave Russell 'a preference for surveying, as allowing greater leisure' and his 'curiosity about Australia led to his emigration'.
The Sydney Herald of 23 September 1833, noted the arrival of 'the ship Sir John Rae Reid' from 'London, and Hobart Town, on Tuesday last' and among the 'passengers from England' was 'Mr. Robert Russell, surveyor'. In possession of letters of introduction to Thomas Mitchell, then Surveyor General of New South Wales, Russell was employed by the Survey Department as an 'acting assistant' on 22 October 1833'.
...
Wikipedia