MacDonald Wilson photographic collection

Descriptive Data

Archives IdentifierAL004Date RangeCirca 1880-1950sDescriptionThis is a collection of photographs formerly held in the central library and donated by the Early Settlers' and Historical Association. The Library Annual Report for 1951 refers to the existing collection of Early Settlers pictures (some 700) being added to, '... with the addition of the MacDonald Wilson collection of 445 photographs, 176 projection slides and 104 negatives, depicting Wellington from the earliest days to recent times.'

Dr Donald MacDonald Wilson was born in Wellington and had a strong interest in the city's history, collating several hundred historic photos into photo albums over a number of years. Wellington City Libraries still hold over 250 items from this collection.

There are only a small number of original prints, and many are copies or part-copies of photographs, artworks or lithographs. Very little of the original transfer remains, as items were discarded where the prints duplicated originals that had been located either in Wellington City Archives or another institution's holdings.

The library often annotated both the back and front of album pages. All of the photographs are identified as being part of the McDonald Wilson collection by a stamp on the back saying 'MCDONALD WILSON COLLECTION'. Many have a number prefixed by H and two photographs have a number prefixed by J. It is not clear what these numbers mean. Some of the photographs also have a library accession number with a WP prefix on the back; refer to Series 00784 for the library accession register. A number have pencil notes describing the content or subject of the photograph, or its source.MediumPhotograph - printSystem of ArrangementOriginally a collection of 445 photographs, 176 projection slides and 104 negatives made by MacDonald Wilson. Wellington City Library still has some of this collection.External LinksMacDonald Wilson Collection on WCL RecollectCollection TypeCommunity archives

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyEarly Settlers' and Historical Association of Wellington, Inc.

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MacDonald Wilson photographic collection