Robert Arthur Buddicom

Robert Bedford (born Robert Arthur Buddicom; 7 November 1874 – 14 February 1951) was an English-Australian scientist, museum curator, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his collection housed in Kyancutta Museum, founded by him in 1929, and for his work on archeocyathinae (marine sponge fossils of the Cambrian era) and meteors.

Early life and education Robert Arthur Buddicom was born at Ticklerton, Shropshire, in England. His father was a landowner, William Squire Buddicom, and his mother Elizabeth Haughton (née Hornby).

He was a Fellow of the Geological Society of London from 1899 to 1910. Also housed in his new museum were items that he had collected in the UK and had sent to Australia

His work was not respected by the South Australian Museum, who opposed his admission to the Museum Association of Australia and New Zealand.

He was a councillor for Kyancutta Ward on the Le Hunte District Council in 1934-35, and supported the South Australian Centre Party.

Later life, death, and legacy During the Second World War, Bedford acted as a volunteer air observer. In his later years, he became obsessed with trying revive the Kyancutta aerodrome.

Robert Bedford died on 14 February 1951, survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.

His papers are often referenced in international research about archaeocyaths.

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