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{{Short description|Australian diplomat and archaeologist}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Robert Merrillees FAHA
| name = Robert Merrillees
| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|country=AUS|FAHA|size=100%}}
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1938}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1938|7|25}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| occupation = Diplomat, archaeologist, author
| occupation = Diplomat, archaeologist, author
| years_active =
| years_active =
⚫
| height =
| religion =
| parents = Edna Merrillees, John Merrillees
⚫
| height =
| children = Antoinette and Dolla
| parents =
⚫
| alma_mater = {{nowrap begin}}[[University of Sydney]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])</small>{{nowrap end}}<br />{{nowrap begin}}[[University of London]] <small>([[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])</small>{{nowrap end}}
| children =
⚫
| spouse = Parvine Helen Merrillees
⚫
| alma_mater = {{nowrap begin}}[[University of Sydney]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])</small>{{nowrap end}}<br>{{nowrap begin}}[[University of London]] <small>([[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])</small>{{nowrap end}}
⚫
| nationality = Australian

⚫
| spouse = Helen Merrillees
⚫
| nationality = Australian
}}
}}
'''Robert S. Merrillees''' (born 1938) is a former [[Australia]]n [[diplomat]] and [[archaeologist]]. His memoir ''Diplomatic Digs'' was released in 2012 as an e-book.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/beware-of-diplomats-bearing-digs-20120802-23izp.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=4 August 2012|archivedate=4 September 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904081140/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/beware-of-diplomats-bearing-digs-20120802-23izp.html|title=Beware of diplomats bearing digs |first=Chris|last=Johnson}}</ref>
'''Robert S. Merrillees''' {{Post-nominals|country=AUS|FAHA}} (born 25 July 1938) is a former [[Australia]]n [[diplomat]] and [[archaeologist]]. His memoir ''Diplomatic Digs'' was released in 2012 as an e-book.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/beware-of-diplomats-bearing-digs-20120802-23izp.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=4 August 2012|archive-date=4 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904081140/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/beware-of-diplomats-bearing-digs-20120802-23izp.html|title=Beware of diplomats bearing digs |first=Chris|last=Johnson}}</ref>


Merrillees joined the [[Australian Public Service]] in the [[Department of External Affairs (1921–70)|Department of External Affairs]] in 1964.<ref name=Greece>{{cite press release|url=http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1995/m125.html|first=Gareth|last=Evans|author-link=Gareth Evans (politician)|publisher=Australian Government|archivedate=4 March 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213427/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1995/m125.html|date=13 October 1995|title=Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Greece}}</ref>
Merrillees joined the [[Australian Public Service]] in the [[Department of External Affairs (1921–70)|Department of External Affairs]] in 1964.<ref name=Greece>{{cite press release|url=http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1995/m125.html|first=Gareth|last=Evans|author-link=Gareth Evans (politician)|publisher=Australian Government|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213427/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1995/m125.html|date=13 October 1995|title=Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Greece}}</ref>


In the early 1970s, Merrillees, along with his wife and their two daughters, took part in the Columbia University Expedition to [[Flamoudi|Phlamoudhi]], Cyprus, led by [[Edith Porada]].<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.academia.edu/10326872/Bringing_Old_Excavations_to_Life|title=Bringing Old Excavations to Life|first=Joanna S.|last=Smith|date=2008|journal=Near Eastern Archaeology}}</ref> Reminiscing about the two seasons of excavations that the family took part in, Merrillees described the experience as "unforgettable", leaving them with "a sense of achievement, lasing friendships and a nostalgia for times past".<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.facesofphlamoudhi.com/Faces_of_Phlamoudhi/Press_Reviews_and_Critical_perspectives.html|title=The Faces of Phlamoudi: Reviews in the press, a radio interview, and other critical perspectives|archivedate=31 July 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731223649/http://facesofphlamoudhi.com/Faces_of_Phlamoudhi/Press_Reviews_and_Critical_perspectives.html}}</ref>
In the early 1970s, Merrillees, along with his wife and their two daughters, took part in the Columbia University Expedition to [[Flamoudi|Phlamoudhi]], Cyprus, led by [[Edith Porada]].<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.academia.edu/10326872|title=Bringing Old Excavations to Life|first=Joanna S.|last=Smith|date=2008|journal=Near Eastern Archaeology|volume=71|issue=1–2|pages=30–40|doi=10.1086/NEA20361346|s2cid=166364988}}</ref> Reminiscing about the two seasons of excavations that the family took part in, Merrillees described the experience as "unforgettable", leaving them with "a sense of achievement, lasting friendships and a nostalgia for times past".<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.facesofphlamoudhi.com/Faces_of_Phlamoudhi/Press_Reviews_and_Critical_perspectives.html|title=The Faces of Phlamoudi: Reviews in the press, a radio interview, and other critical perspectives|archive-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731223649/http://facesofphlamoudhi.com/Faces_of_Phlamoudhi/Press_Reviews_and_Critical_perspectives.html}}</ref>


Merrillees first ambassadorial appointment was in 1983, in Tel Aviv where he was Australian Ambassador to Israel until 1987.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127009941|title=Israeli Government 'dedicated to reconciliation'|date=15 May 1985|page=19|newspaper=The Canberra Times|first=Bill|last=Goodall}}</ref>
Merrillees first ambassadorial appointment was in 1983, in Tel Aviv where he was Australian Ambassador to [[Israel]] until 1987.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127009941|title=Israeli Government 'dedicated to reconciliation'|date=15 May 1985|page=19|newspaper=The Canberra Times|first=Bill|last=Goodall}}</ref>


In February 1990, Merrillees led a team to Cambodia to hold talks with Phnom Penh government officials in preparation for a [[People's Republic of Kampuchea#Peace agreement|peace agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131176868|title=Aust team in Cambodia to study UN peace role|date=6 February 1990}}</ref> The next month Merrillees travelled to Washington, New York, Canada and Paris to continue discussions on a Cambodian settlement.
In February 1990, Merrillees led a team to [[Cambodia]] to hold talks with Phnom Penh government officials in preparation for a [[People's Republic of Kampuchea#Peace agreement|peace agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131176868|title=Aust team in Cambodia to study UN peace role|date=6 February 1990}}</ref> The next month Merrillees travelled to Washington, New York, [[Canada]] and [[Paris]] to continue discussions on a Cambodian settlement.


In October 1991 Merrillees took up an appointment as Australian Ambassador to Sweden; and non-resident Ambassador to Finland.<ref>{{cite news|date=22 September 1991|page=2|newspaper=The Canberra Times|title=New ambassador|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122385809}}</ref> His appointment lasted until 1995, when he was appointed Australian Ambassador to Greece.<ref name=Greece/>
In October 1991, Merrillees took up an appointment as Australian Ambassador to [[Sweden]]; and non-resident Ambassador to [[Finland]].<ref>{{cite news|date=22 September 1991|page=2|newspaper=The Canberra Times|title=New ambassador|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122385809}}</ref> His appointment lasted until 1995, when he was appointed Australian Ambassador to [[Greece]].<ref name=Greece/> Beginning his posting to Athens in January 1996, Merrillees was recalled early from the role, in 1998, and took early retirement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2005/08/15/alexander-downers-ousted-diplomats/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904092617/https://www.crikey.com.au/2005/08/15/alexander-downers-ousted-diplomats/|publisher=Crikey|archive-date=4 September 2016|title=Alexander Downer's ousted diplomats|first=Barry|last=Everingham|date=15 August 2005}}</ref>


Merrillees was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1992.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.humanities.org.au/Fellowship/FindFellows/tabid/123/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1238/Merrillees-Robert.aspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327035401/http://humanities.org.au/Fellowship/FindFellows/tabid/123/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1238/Merrillees-Robert.aspx|archivedate=27 March 2016|publisher=Australian Academy of the Humanities|title=Merrillees, Robert, Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques FAHA}}</ref>
Merrillees was elected a Corresponding Fellow of the [[Australian Academy of the Humanities]] in 1992.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.humanities.org.au/Fellowship/FindFellows/tabid/123/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1238/Merrillees-Robert.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327035401/http://humanities.org.au/Fellowship/FindFellows/tabid/123/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1238/Merrillees-Robert.aspx|archive-date=27 March 2016|publisher=Australian Academy of the Humanities|title=Merrillees, Robert, Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques FAHA}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
Merrillees's elder daughter, Antoinette, also joined the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and in 2016 was Charge d’affaires in [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/gsb/Files/Substitute_Representatives/English/AUSTRALIA_Merrillees.pdf |title=Australia. Antoinette E. Merrillees|website=FAO|access-date=30 June 2023}}</ref> She is married to Australia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations,<ref>{{Cite web_|url=https://unny.mission.gov.au/unny/100721HOM.html|title = Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations}}</ref> [[James Larsen]], former Australian Ambassador to Israel and to Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://turkey.embassy.gov.au/anka/AnitkabirvisitLarsen.html|title = Australian Embassy in}}</ref> They have three children together: Robert, Isobel and Alexandra.
⚫
Merrillee's daughter Dolla Merrillees (born 1966) is an author and the director of the [[Powerhouse Museum]] in Sydney.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/dolla-merrillees-appointed-director-of-powerhouse-museum-as-parramatta-river-site-chosen-20160411-go3iy0.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904083651/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/dolla-merrillees-appointed-director-of-powerhouse-museum-as-parramatta-river-site-chosen-20160411-go3iy0.html|archivedate=4 September 2016|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=12 April 2016|title=Dolla Merrillees appointed director of Powerhouse Museum as Parramatta River site chosen|first=Andrew|last=Taylor}}</ref><ref>{{citation|first=Dolla|last=Merrillees|url=https://twitter.com/DMerrillees/status/665665653005639680|title=Go dad!|date=14 November 2015|publisher=Twitter}}</ref>

⚫
Merrillees's younger daughter [[Dolla Merrillees]] until recently{{When|date=April 2024}} was the Director of the [https://maas.museum/about/ Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences], [[Powerhouse Museum]], [[Sydney Observatory]] and [https://maas.museum/museums-discovery-centre/ Museums Discovery Centre] in Sydney.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/dolla-merrillees-appointed-director-of-powerhouse-museum-as-parramatta-river-site-chosen-20160411-go3iy0.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904083651/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/dolla-merrillees-appointed-director-of-powerhouse-museum-as-parramatta-river-site-chosen-20160411-go3iy0.html|archive-date=4 September 2016|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=12 April 2016|title=Dolla Merrillees appointed director of Powerhouse Museum as Parramatta River site chosen|first=Andrew|last=Taylor}}</ref><ref>{{citation|first=Dolla|last=Merrillees|url=https://twitter.com/DMerrillees/status/665665653005639680|title=Go dad!|date=14 November 2015|publisher=Twitter}}</ref> She is also the author of the book, [[The Woodcutter's Wife: A Stepmother's Tale]], the story of her struggles in becoming a stepmother.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.parentingexpress.com/Stories/Stories/0035.htm|title=The Woodcutter's Wife: A Stepmother's Tale|website=www.parentingexpress.com|accessdate=30 June 2023}}</ref>


==Works==
==Works==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Australian Ambassadors to Sweden|Australian Ambassador to Sweden]]|years=1991 – 1995}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Australian Ambassadors to Sweden|Australian Ambassador to Sweden]]<br />Australian Ambassador to Finland<br />Australian Ambassador to Estonia|years=1991 – 1995}}
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[[Category:1938 births]]
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[[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Australian diplomats]]
[[Category:Australian public servants]]
[[Category:Australian writers]]
[[Category:Australian writers]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of Australia to Estonia]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of Australia to Finland]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of Australia to Greece]]
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[[Category:Alumni of the University of London]]
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[[Category:Fellows of the Australian Academy of the Humanities]]

Latest revision as of 10:32, 2 May 2024

Robert Merrillees
FAHA
Born (1938-07-25) 25 July 1938 (age 86)
NationalityAustralian
Alma materUniversity of Sydney (BA)
University of London (PhD)
Occupation(s)Diplomat, archaeologist, author
SpouseParvine Helen Merrillees
ChildrenAntoinette and Dolla
Parent(s)Edna Merrillees, John Merrillees

Robert S. Merrillees FAHA (born 25 July 1938) is a former Australian diplomat and archaeologist. His memoir Diplomatic Digs was released in 2012 as an e-book.[1]

Merrillees joined the Australian Public Service in the Department of External Affairs in 1964.[2]

In the early 1970s, Merrillees, along with his wife and their two daughters, took part in the Columbia University Expedition to Phlamoudhi, Cyprus, led by Edith Porada.[3] Reminiscing about the two seasons of excavations that the family took part in, Merrillees described the experience as "unforgettable", leaving them with "a sense of achievement, lasting friendships and a nostalgia for times past".[4]

Merrillees first ambassadorial appointment was in 1983, in Tel Aviv where he was Australian Ambassador to Israel until 1987.[5]

In February 1990, Merrillees led a team to Cambodia to hold talks with Phnom Penh government officials in preparation for a peace agreement.[6] The next month Merrillees travelled to Washington, New York, Canada and Paris to continue discussions on a Cambodian settlement.

In October 1991, Merrillees took up an appointment as Australian Ambassador to Sweden; and non-resident Ambassador to Finland.[7] His appointment lasted until 1995, when he was appointed Australian Ambassador to Greece.[2] Beginning his posting to Athens in January 1996, Merrillees was recalled early from the role, in 1998, and took early retirement.[8]

Merrillees was elected a Corresponding Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1992.[9]

Family

[edit]

Merrillees's elder daughter, Antoinette, also joined the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and in 2016 was Charge d’affaires in Berlin.[10] She is married to Australia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations,[11] James Larsen, former Australian Ambassador to Israel and to Turkey.[12] They have three children together: Robert, Isobel and Alexandra.

Merrillees's younger daughter Dolla Merrillees until recently[when?] was the Director of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and Museums Discovery Centre in Sydney.[13][14] She is also the author of the book, The Woodcutter's Wife: A Stepmother's Tale, the story of her struggles in becoming a stepmother.[15]

Works

[edit]
  • Diplomatic Digs, Echo Books, 2012
  • Living with Egypt's Past in Australia, Museum of Victoria, 1990, ISBN 9780724196739

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Johnson, Chris (4 August 2012). "Beware of diplomats bearing digs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016.
  2. ^ a b Evans, Gareth (13 October 1995). "Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Greece" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  3. ^ Smith, Joanna S. (2008), "Bringing Old Excavations to Life", Near Eastern Archaeology, 71 (1–2): 30–40, doi:10.1086/NEA20361346, S2CID 166364988
  4. ^ The Faces of Phlamoudi: Reviews in the press, a radio interview, and other critical perspectives, archived from the original on 31 July 2016
  5. ^ Goodall, Bill (15 May 1985). "Israeli Government 'dedicated to reconciliation'". The Canberra Times. p. 19.
  6. ^ "Aust team in Cambodia to study UN peace role". 6 February 1990.
  7. ^ "New ambassador". The Canberra Times. 22 September 1991. p. 2.
  8. ^ Everingham, Barry (15 August 2005). "Alexander Downer's ousted diplomats". Crikey. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016.
  9. ^ Merrillees, Robert, Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques FAHA, Australian Academy of the Humanities, archived from the original on 27 March 2016
  10. ^ "Australia. Antoinette E. Merrillees" (PDF). FAO. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  11. ^ "Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations".
  12. ^ "Australian Embassy in".
  13. ^ Taylor, Andrew (12 April 2016). "Dolla Merrillees appointed director of Powerhouse Museum as Parramatta River site chosen". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016.
  14. ^ Merrillees, Dolla (14 November 2015), Go dad!, Twitter
  15. ^ "The Woodcutter's Wife: A Stepmother's Tale". www.parentingexpress.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
David Goss
 Australian Ambassador to Israel
1983 – 1987 		Succeeded by
John Campbell
Preceded by
Ian Nicholson
 Australian Ambassador to Sweden
Australian Ambassador to Finland
Australian Ambassador to Estonia
1991 – 1995 		Succeeded by
Judith Pead
Preceded by
Alan Edwards
 Australian Ambassador to Greece
1996 – 1998 		Succeeded by
Ross Burns
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Robert_Merrillees&oldid=1221849461"