Interview with Ted Hill

Ted Hill was born in Birmingham, England in 1920. Recalls his mother's death when he was six years old and several housekeepers. Describes being interested in singing and painting as a child and leaving school at the age of fourteen. Describes his father's death from an accident when he was sixteen. Talks about working for an accounting firm and then for his uncle's building business where he learnt about drawing, buildings and surveying. Discusses joining the army in 1940, being accepted for officer training and going to the north west frontier of India. Gives a detailed description of his time in India, becoming a parachutist, and being sent to Imphal where the Japanese were driven out.

Recalls rethinking his direction after the war and doing a course in architecture at Art School in Birmingham. Describes the battle between classical and modern architecture at the time. Recalls his first job in Birmingham and a subsequent job in London. Mentions marriage and divorce before coming to New Zealand in 1958. Recalls Ministry of Works architects Frank Stewart, Gordon Wilson, Warwick Keen, Neville Burren, Jock Beere and the `Tomato House' in Wellington. Recalls his first job on an office accommodation block and doing working drawings for the Government Print Office. Discusses the role of Ned Blake Kelly in this project. Recalls the design and requirements for the Vogel building, interaction with Frank Shephard and problems with the building. Discusses architectural training and design. Recalls taking a leading role in problems with working conditions for architects. Describes wanting to move to a smaller town, living and working in Wanganui then moving to Cambridge and working in the Ministry of Works at Hamilton.

Discusses opposing the Ministry of Works scheme for a Cambridge bypass. Talks about the design of the Hamilton police station. Comments on architects Michael Graves and Geoff Mardon. Discusses work for the University of Waikato. Mentions site difficulties and gives details of design and schedules. Talks about the construction of four science blocks by Street Construction. Comments on the university lakes, the Lady Goodfellow Chapel and the Library building. Discusses the Ministry of Works goal of creating sound buildings with a minimum of maintenance. Discusses the Huntly power station, the Performing Arts Centre and the courthouse. Discusses the influence of the client on the architectural process. Comments on the local branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Lists awards achieved by Hamilton Ministry of Works architects.

One tape is a commentary made while walking through the grounds of the University of Waikato.

Interviewer(s) - Athol Attwood

Quantity: 12 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 12 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3099.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.