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Robert Arthur Lawson (1 January 1833 – 3 December 1902) was one of New Zealand's most eminent 19th century architects. He has been described as the architect who did more than any other to shape the architectural face of New Zealand's Victorian cities, especially the city of Dunedin. He is the architect of over forty churches, including his monumental Gothic First Church and New Zealand's only complete "castle", Larnach Castle, for which he is best remembered.
Born at Newburgh, in Fife, Scotland, he emigrated from Scotland in 1854 to Australia and then in 1862 to New Zealand. He died at age 69 on 3 December 1902 in Canterbury, New Zealand. Lawson is acclaimed for his work in both the Gothic revival and classical styles of architecture. He was prolific, and while isolated buildings remain in Scotland and Australia, it is in the Dunedin area that most surviving examples can now be found.