Robert Hoddle Paintings

Robert Hoddle was not primarily known as an artist but as a surveyor, best remembered for his role in the planning of the streets of Melbourne, Australia. Born on April 20, 1794, in Westminster, London, Hoddle was educated in England and trained as a surveyor before emigrating to Australia.

After arriving in New South Wales in 1823, Hoddle worked on various projects, including the survey of roads and the mapping of regions in the colony. He was appointed as the Senior Surveyor of the Port Phillip District (now Victoria) in 1837. In this role, he applied the principles of the Hoddle Grid, a layout that defined the central business district of Melbourne. This grid system, which remains the basis of Melbourne's street layout today, was a reflection of Hoddle's vision for urban development and has been praised for its foresight and efficiency.

Apart from his surveying work, Hoddle was also an amateur artist and took an interest in painting and sketching the Australian landscape. His artistic works are valuable records of the early colonial period and provide insight into the natural history and topography of the regions he surveyed. However, his contributions to art are largely overshadowed by his significant impact on urban planning and development.

Robert Hoddle's career as a surveyor continued until his retirement in 1853. He spent the remainder of his life in Victoria, where he continued to pursue his interests in art and horticulture. Hoddle passed away on October 24, 1881, in Melbourne. Although more remembered for his contributions to urban planning than his artistic endeavors, his legacy lives on in the city of Melbourne's orderly and distinctive layout.