Bruce Wilkinson collection

The collection | Where and when to go | Albert Park House and historic Albert Park

The collection

Auckland city has gained a new attraction thanks to the generosity of Bruce Wilkinson. This remarkable Aucklander has given away three personal fortunes in this lifetime.

The Bruce Wilkinson Collection, now open at Albert Park House in Princes Street's historic Albert Park, is part of a collection of his treasures acquired during his work travels around Europe and Asia throughout the 1930s to 1960s. The collection could be described as a souvenir shop of the world.

There are more than 70 clocks in his collection. Other treasures include dolls, over 70 music boxes, mirrors, vases, hand blown glass sculptures, a large ceramic elephant, a peacock fountain, and pieces of fine china.

Bruce Wilkinson was born in Auckland in 1903. He formed his own import company, then spent the rest of his working life building and expanding his watch, jewellery and fine collectibles business. It was during this time that he acquired a personal collection of items that represented people and places to him.

In 1974 Bruce gifted his multi-million dollar home on Paratai Drive, Orakei to Auckland City Council and the people of Auckland. The home contained his collection made on business trips to 84 countries around the world.

The collection was later removed from the Orakei home and placed in storage. Auckland City Council created a permanent memorial and resting home for his treasures in Albert Park House in Albert Park.

Bruce Wilkinson died in 1999, spending his last days preparing and distributing his Spiritual Facts of Life leaflet series and discussing his Christian views.