Vignette 13: The Barr Smith family donations

Robert Barr Smith (1824–1915), a Scottish-born businessman and philanthropist, was a partner in Elder Smith & Co., a company with significant involvement in mercantile, shipping, mining, and pastoral activities in South Australia. He married Joanna Elder, sister of Sir Thomas Elder, in 1856.

Barr Smith, known for his economic acumen and charitable endeavours, served on the boards of numerous institutions, including the University. The Barr Smiths deeply loved books, often buying them to share the joy of reading with others. Robert and Joanna’s extensive reading tastes ranged from the latest novels to unconventional works.

The Barr Smith Library, named in his honour in 1899, was developed through generous donations. Following Barr Smith’s passing in 1915, his family established a permanent endowment for the Library. 

Barr Smith’s family has contributed to the Library over the years. In 1927, Tom Elder Barr Smith, Robert’s son, donated funds to build the new Barr Smith Library which opened in 1932. Decades later, in 1974, his granddaughter, Christine Margaret Macgregor, bequeathed thousands of books.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Giving with impact.  p.26