Bob Lowry papers.

Robert William Lowry (1912-1963), known as Bob, was a leading Auckland printer, typographer and independent publisher from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. He was supportive of emerging writers right from his student days and made a significant contribution to publishing NZ literature, particularly with the Pelorus Press in the early 1950s.

Introduced to letterpress printing as a pupil at Auckland Grammar School, Lowry further developed his enthusiasm as a tertiary student, setting up the Auckland University College Students’ Association Press and producing a literary periodical and volume of poetry by Allen Curnow. However, his student political activities and financial mismanagement of the press caused him to fall foul of university authorities.

Lowry went on to establish, partner or be associated with a series of presses, chief among them the Unicorn Press in Kitchener St, which published works by R.A.K. Mason, Frank Sargeson and Arthur Sewell among others; the Pelorus Press, which was to cement his reputation and influence; and the Pilgrim Press. He also worked for the Wakefield Press as its resident typographer.

His passion for printing was a lifelong affair, which he pursued even while training as a teacher in 1940, in the armed forces during the Second World War and while teaching typography at Seddon Memorial Technical College from 1945-47.

Lowry was the first to print or publish New Zealand authors such as Curnow, Sargeson, Kendrick Smithyman, Roderick Finlayson, Maurice Duggan and Greville Texidor. He was the driving force behind the magazine Here & now (published between October 1949 and November 1957). He also printed literary magazines, including Mate (1957-61) and Image (1958-60), annual volumes of Kiwi and Pedagogue, and many booklets, leaflets, broadsides and other ephemeral works of a political or artistic nature.

Typographical extravaganzas, such as his production of A.R.D. Fairburn’s The sky is a limpet, showcased his creative boldness and flair.

But his career was plagued by financial complications – repeated cycles of borrowing to establish a printery, falling into debt, falling out with partners and being forced to move on. He had a reputation for perfectionism but also in some quarters for erratic quality.

Free-spirited and charismatic, Lowry was also remembered for his wit and hospitality. His home in One Tree Hill was a social hub for the city’s intelligentsia in the 1950s. But his private life was also affected by alcoholism and depression and he committed suicide at the age of 51.

Source: Peter H. Hughes. Lowry, Robert William – Biography from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Sep-10. URL: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4l16/1