Ian Molyneux: A Dual Legacy in Architecture and Art
The life of Ian Molyneux, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 81, was a remarkable blend of professional dedication and creative passion. As an architect, he played a crucial role in shaping Western Australia's built heritage practices, while as an artist, he captured the essence of Australia's landscapes through vibrant acrylic paintings. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the state's cultural and architectural landscape.
Early Life and Architectural Beginnings
Born in Perth in 1943, Ian was raised in a family deeply involved in the Cottesloe community. His parents, Donald and Billie Molyneux, fostered an environment where Ian and his siblings, Helen and Robert, thrived. He attended Swanbourne Primary School and John Curtin High School in Fremantle, laying the groundwork for his future pursuits.
Ian's architectural journey began at Perth Technical College, where he earned his associateship and was honoured with the E.G. Cohen Medal and the W.H. Robertson travel grant in 1965. After marrying Kaye Glover in 1966, the couple embarked on a European tour funded by the grant, and their son, Ivan, was born in London in 1967. During their time in the UK, Ian gained valuable experience working with prominent firms like Erno Goldfinger and T.P. Bennett & Son on significant projects, including housing schemes and bank headquarters.
Heritage Conservation and Leadership in WA
Upon returning to Perth, Ian joined R.J. Ferguson and Associates as an associate from 1969 to 1971. He and Kaye settled in Cottesloe, where their daughter, Claire, was born in 1969. Ian became a registered architect in multiple states and a fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, serving in various leadership roles and examining for the Architects Board of WA for over twenty years.
Ian's passion for Western Australia's built heritage was evident through his numerous articles in The Architect journal and his authorship of Looking Around Perth: A Guide To The Architecture Of Perth And Surrounding Towns, published in 1981. This seminal work documented Perth's architectural evolution and remains a key reference today. His involvement with the National Trust of Western Australia and projects like the Bunbury National Estate Study and the Subiaco heritage survey helped preserve hundreds of buildings, ensuring their survival and contributing to the unique character of these areas.
As chair of the Heritage Council of Western Australia from 1991 to 1994, Ian was instrumental in developing the council into a leading heritage body. Heritage minister Richard Lewis praised his tireless efforts during challenging formative years, highlighting Ian's role in promoting the importance of state heritage to the community. Later, as a heritage planner in Fremantle from 1996 to 1999, his strategic plans and conservation assessments were vital in restoring and preserving the city's cultural assets.
Artistic Pursuits and Personal Life
Beyond architecture, Ian was a skilled painter, sculptor, and draughtsman, with many of his artworks held in private collections across Australia. He credited his second wife, Judith Lamb, whom he married in 1982, for encouraging his artistic endeavours. Together, they were active in Perth's artists' community, attending the Claremont School of Art and organising successful exhibitions in Fremantle.
Through his private practice, Ian Molyneux & Associates, he undertook a wide range of projects over a 50-year career, including architectural design, heritage assessments, and conservation works. His written contributions to journals, books, and encyclopedias further cemented his legacy as a thought leader in the field.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Ian's health declined, and he passed away in care at North Fremantle on December 1, 2025. He is survived by his brother, Dr Robert Molyneux of Sydney, and his daughter, Claire. Ian Molyneux's life was a testament to the power of combining professional expertise with artistic expression, leaving behind a rich heritage that continues to inspire and inform future generations in Western Australia and beyond.
