Robert Merrillees: Difference between revisions

Robert Merrillees
FAHA
Robert Merrillees FAHA
Born	25 July 1938 (age 86)
Nationality	Australian
Alma mater	University of Sydney (BA); University of London (PhD)
Occupation(s)	Diplomat, archaeologist, author
Spouse	Parvine Helen Merrillees
Children	Antoinette and Dolla
Parent(s)	Edna Merrillees, John Merrillees

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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

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

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

References

^ Johnson, Chris (4 August 2012). "Beware of diplomats bearing digs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016.
^ ^a ^b Evans, Gareth (13 October 1995). "Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Greece" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
^ Smith, Joanna S. (2008), "Bringing Old Excavations to Life", Near Eastern Archaeology, 71 (1–2): 30–40, doi:10.1086/NEA20361346, S2CID 166364988
^ The Faces of Phlamoudi: Reviews in the press, a radio interview, and other critical perspectives, archived from the original on 31 July 2016
^ Goodall, Bill (15 May 1985). "Israeli Government 'dedicated to reconciliation'". The Canberra Times. p. 19.
^ "Aust team in Cambodia to study UN peace role". 6 February 1990.
^ "New ambassador". The Canberra Times. 22 September 1991. p. 2.
^ Everingham, Barry (15 August 2005). "Alexander Downer's ousted diplomats". Crikey. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016.
^ Merrillees, Robert, Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques FAHA, Australian Academy of the Humanities, archived from the original on 27 March 2016
^ "Australia. Antoinette E. Merrillees" (PDF). FAO. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
^ "Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations".
^ "Australian Embassy in".
^ 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.
^ Merrillees, Dolla (14 November 2015), Go dad!, Twitter
^ "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

[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.

[Greece-2] 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.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Australian diplomat and archaeologist}}
 {{Use Australian English|date=September 2016}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
 {{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 = Edna Merrillees, John 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}}
-| children = Antoinette Merrillees, Dolla Merrillees
+| 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 = Parvine 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, 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|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/> 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/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904092617/https://www.crikey.com.au/2005/08/15/alexander-downers-ousted-diplomats/|publisher=Crikey|archivedate=4 September 2016|title=Alexander Downer's ousted diplomats|first=Barry|last=Everingham|date=15 August 2005}}</ref>
+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==
-Merrillees' elder daughter also joined the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and in 2016 was Acting Deputy Ambassador in [[Berlin]].<ref>http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/gsb/Files/Substitute_Representatives/English/AUSTRALIA_Merrillees.pdf</ref>  She is married to the Australian Ambassador to Ankara, James Larsen.<ref>http://turkey.embassy.gov.au/anka/AnitkabirvisitLarsen.html</ref>
+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.
-Merrillees' younger daughter Dolla Merrillees is the Director of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, [[Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory and 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|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>  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.
+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==
@@ Line 46: / Line 45: @@
 ==References==
-{{reflist}}
+{{Reflist}}
 {{s-start}}
@@ Line 54: / Line 53: @@
 {{s-aft|after=John Campbell}}
 {{s-bef|before=Ian Nicholson }}
-{{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}}
+{{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}}
 {{s-aft|after=Judith Pead}}
 {{s-bef|before=Alan Edwards}}
@@ Line 60: / Line 59: @@
 {{s-aft|after=Ross Burns}}
 {{s-end}}
+{{Authority control}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Merrillees, Robert}}
@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 [[Category:1938 births]]
 [[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
-[[Category:Australian diplomats]]
-[[Category:Australian public servants]]
 [[Category:Australian writers]]
 [[Category:Ambassadors of Australia to Estonia]]
@@ Line 75: / Line 73: @@
 [[Category:University of Sydney alumni]]
 [[Category:Alumni of the University of London]]
+[[Category:Fellows of the Australian Academy of the Humanities]]

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