If his older brother reflected his father's business and horticultural pursuits, Robert Douglas Coe reflected his mother's appreciation of fine art and European culture. Like his brother, he attended St. Paul's School; later he received an A.B. in fine arts from Harvard University, and completed an M.A. at Magdalen College, Oxford, England. Although his father hoped young Robert would pursue a career in law or banking, Bob Coe instead intended to become an architect, and took drawing lessons from Robert Chanler and Everett Shinn (he continued to paint for the rest of his life). Mr. Coe was not fond of the idea of his son becoming an architect, and, ultimately, Bob became a career diplomat. Bob was posted to Brazil, Turkey, India, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, and served as Ambassador to Denmark from 1953 to 1957. As a board member of the Planting Fields Foundation and Chairman of the Board between 1971 and 1985, he helped spark interest in the early restoration work at Coe Hall, particularly the Breakfast Room ("Buffalo Room") murals . and the conservation of paintings and stained glass. Robert never married Robert Douglas Coe 1902-1985 Diplomatic Service Porto Alegre, Brazil 1928 - 1930 Peru 1930 - 1931 Turkey 1931 - 1935 Calcutta, India 1935 - 1937 Washington, DC: The Balkans Desk 1937 - 1941 London 1941 - 1948 Holland 1948 - 1950 Washington, DC 1950 - 1952 Retired 1952 Called back by President Eisenhower 1953 Ambassador to Denmark 1953 - 1957

Related Links Related Articles