Kāpiti Island
My family has a special fondness for Kāpiti Island. My Grandparents Alexander Stanley (Stan) WILKINSON (1880 – 1962) and Amy Kate WILKINSON (nee AINSWORTH) (1877 – 1950) were caretakers on the island for a period of 18 years. (1924 – 1942). Both were competent photographers and regularly sent work to journals, magazines and newspapers. They were regular contributors to the Forest and Bird Society’s magazine and Lands and Survey utilised some of their images to promote the Kāpiti Island flora and fauna. In 1935 they received Certificates of Merit at the International Exhibition Nature Photography at the British Museum. One third of the 18 photos selected from New Zealand were pictures of Kāpiti birds photographed by the Wilkinsons.
I am custodian of a large number of photographs taken by my grandparents, not only of the bird and plant life on the island, but also a number of family personal photographs which up until now have not seen the light of day. A sample of these photographs provide provide a fascinating glimpse into life on the island between 1920 – 1938 pre war years.
The Wilkinson’s both wrote books on their experiences – and these are now collectors items –
ref:- Kāpiti Bird Sanctuary – A Natural History of the Island by A.S. and late Amy Wilkinson published 1952
Kāpiti Diary – by Amy K. Wilkinson published 1957.
A small selection of photographs from the extensive Wilkinson Collection and drawings from my mother Sylvia Lovell (nee Wilkinson) appear in the galleries on these pages.
My mother Sylvia, sister Nora and two brothers Ray and Stanley spent time living on the Island.
Sylvia became a noted artist, and wrote of her experiences as a teenager on Kāpiti with only some members of her family, the occasional visitor, her horse and dog for company. She wrote these experiences during the 1970’s. Her drafts sadly was not taken up by any of the publishers in her day. It was not until some time after her death that my son Steve and I collected up her original notes and published her book in 2005. This was a restricted release and was given away to friends and family. It was very favourably received, particularly by those who knew Sylvia.
As a result of considerable interest in Sylvia’s adventures and life on Kāpiti Island as a teenager – her book has been reprinted and a limited number are available for purchase
Her book is a little known treasure that deserves a wider audience.
KAPITI EXPERIENCES – Living on Kāpiti Island by Sylvia LOVELL has been reprinted. This book is for sale for $25 (NZ) obtainable through www.rainbowcreative.co.nz
Sylvia Lovell Artwork Gallery
Some earlier illusrations for the book KAPITI DIARY by Amy K. WILKINSON (my grandmother) in 1957
The Wilkinson Wildlife Photographs
