Dr Bob Edwards makes princely contribution to the major Australian museums and in his home city Adelaide

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra had its policy and direction set by first chairman Dr Robert Edwards (1997 to 2000).

Adelaide’s Dr Robert (Bob) Edwards was compared to Queen Victoria’s consort Prince Albert for creating and ao many museums in Australia.

An ethnographer, historian and bibliophile, Edwards was the anthropology curator looking after Aboriginal heritage collection at the South Australian Museum (1965-73). He left a wider mark on his home state South Australia with his 1981 report on its museum policy and development. This led to the opening of the world-first migration museum in Adelaide in 1986 – the same year that the History Trust of South Australia, reflecting Edwards’ other deep love, was established.

From 1973-75, Edwards  was the deputy principal of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies and founding director of the Aboriginal Arts Board of the Australia Council. His extensive experience with Indigenous Australians and his close associations with cultural institutions led to him being founding director of Museum Victoria in 1984.

As chief executive and director of Art Exhibitions Australia, Edwards coordinated the highly successful Entombed Warriors exhibition from China and many blockbuster touring exhibitions, including Gold of the Pharoahs, during the 1980s/1990s. Edwards worked with National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher on persuading overseas gallery directors to allow exhibitions of masters to come to Australia.

As first chair of the board of the National Portrait Gallery (1997 to 2000) in Canberra, Edwards set its policy and direction for it to become a cultural treasure. He also was the founding chairman of the National Museum of Australia and a driving force in fostering international interest in the significant Aboriginal art movement that arose in the Northern Territory settlement at Papunya.

Edwards also played a central role in redeveloping the Museum of Western Australia and the Hong Kong Museum of History. In later years, Edwards continued his cultural corporate involvement on the Boards of the Ian Potter Museum, the South Australian Museum and the Stockman's Hall of Fame; he was honorary fellow of the National Museum of Australia and Museum Victoria.