Born in London Charles Reginald Ford (1880-1972) joined the Royal Navy at an early age and served on several vessels. In 1901 he volunteered to join the Royal Geographic Society Expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott, serving as a steward and assistant to Captain Scott. Following his return to England he travelled around Britain, Canada and Australia delivering lectures about the expedition, and in late 1905 was brought to New Zealand by JC Williamson to deliver lantern slide lectures here. He decided to stay, initially living in Christchurch where he married, and studied architecture. In 1923 he moved to Auckland and formed a partnership with WH Gummer. Their firm Gummer and Ford, played a prominent role in Auckland architectre for many years. Ford also had a close relationship with the Auckland Museum, being appointed as Honorary Curator of English ceramics.

In 1908 he published 'Antarctica: leaves from a diary kept on board an exploring vessel'. Christchurch: Whitcombe and Tombs. He also gave public lectures

For more information about CR Ford, see: Peter Lowe. 'Ford, Charles Reginald', from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-2013

URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/4f19/ford-charles-reginald