Robert William Lowry

Robert William Lowry (17 November 1912 – 7 December 1963) was a New Zealand printer, publisher, typographer and teacher.

Biography

Lowry was born in Paeroa, New Zealand, on 17 November 1912. He was the eldest child of Janet (Jessie) Craig Forrest and Robert William Lowry, a storekeeper, farmer and carpenter from Ireland. where he first became interested in typography, and at Auckland University College (1931–1933). He was conferred a bachelor of arts degree during war service in 1943. While still at university, he undertook several printing enterprises, including the printing of The Phoenix, the journal of the university's literary club. At this time Lowry was an admirer of Francis Meynell, Eric Gill and Stanley Morison, as well as Tschichold.

During World War II he served with the 2NZEF in New Caledonia and printed the Forces newspaper in the Pacific.

After university Lowry set up the Unicorn Press, and later the Pelorus Press.