History
Photography by Woolf has been a part of Wellington since 1934. Spencer Digby started the studio. He mentored some great New Zealand Photographers, including internationally renown, and Magnum Photographer, Brian Brake, Barry Woods, and Ronald Woolf. Ron and Inge Woolf brought the studio in 1960.
Over the ensuing years Photography by Woolf has been involved in some great moments in history, photographed a great number of events and occasions, and photographed a large number of personalities, families, and groups.
Our photographers have also captured Wellington life, it’s people and it’s natural environment.
This page will record just some of the highlights over the past 80 years plus!
The Harcourt name is well known in Wellington, synonymous with drama, broadcasting, journalism, real estate, racing and a number of other pursuits over the history of our city. The whole family have been great contributors to our Wellington community. We know just some of the achievements of Dame Kate, Miranda and Gordon, the performing arts branch of the Harcourt family tree. The Wellington grand-kids are now doing their bit too, continuing to enhance the legacy of the Harcourt family. The Woolf family has had the pleasure of knowing various members of the Harcourt family through the generations. Today I wish to pay tribute to Dame Kate's late husband, Peter Harcourt.
Peter Harcourt was a Broadcaster of note, his voice much-loved on Radio New Zealand from the 1960s until the 1990s. He was also an actor, arts advocate, author and television host. A passionate Wellingtonian, Peter passed away in 1995. He had been awarded The Queens Service Order two years previously for his services to Broadcasting and the Arts. One of Peter's great legacies was his radio programme "With the Boys Overseas". In this public service broadcast during World War Two, Peter played messages over the air from servicemen and women overseas. Some of the messages were never broadcast as those who had sent them, had perished in the meantime. Peter took it upon himself to deliver many of these messages personally to the bereaved families. He was very much the right person to perform that important role. I am sure the families would have appreciated the manner in which Peter helped them with their grief. After Peter's passing, Miranda and her husband Stuart McKenzie made an acclaimed short film called "Voice Over", which told the story of this unique and special contribution Peter had made during the war.
The Peter Harcourt I knew was warm, engaging, and very wise. He had an aura, and was one of life's special people. He and Kate were the ultimate tag team. Both were strong personalities, who stood up for what they believed was right. I don't know of an occasion when they were on the wrong side of a cause either! Peter had immense stature. He was a gentleman, who was always immaculate in his presentation. Peter not only looked the part, he was the part! As a kid I remember hearing "That Voice!" on the radio. The consummate presenter, Peter made his audience feel a part of the show. It was serious fun being a kid back then. I vaguely remembered Peter voicing a puppet, back in the day, and on researching this piece I now know it was the Hippo Porky Potamus on the early television show Junior Magazine. Is the multi-talented bit coming through? Peter Harcourt was certainly multitalented, and multifaceted. The advocacy and activist part of Peter's life was impressive too. He was the president of Actors Equity, involved in many areas of the arts. Alongside Kate he was one of New Zealand’s first professional actors, forging a path for other freelance creatives to follow.
I reckon one of his proudest moments would have been playing the part of his daughter Miranda's screen Dad, on the TV series Gloss. But perhaps the achievement of which he would be most proud would be his staunch advocacy in saving The St James Theatre from demolition. His leadership, along with a team including Grant Sheehan, Ann Pacey, Rex Nichols, and John Saker, their families and friends was integral in The St James Theatre still being with us today for new generations to enjoy. Sadly Peter passed away before the renovation and refurbishment was completed.
I photographed Peter, Kate, Miranda and Gordon, as part of a UNICEF Exhibition/Fundraiser for UN The International Year of the Family in 1994. They were a close family then, and remain that way today. Peter’s commitment to our city was passionate. He was an amazing Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian, whose mark on the landscape of Wellington should not be taken for granted. When you see Peter's children, their partners and grandchildren at the forefront of their chosen careers, you know he would have been so proud of them all, and not least of the wonderful Kate, who is New Zealand's unquestionable first lady of theatre and film.
Peter may have left us in 1995 but he left New Zealand a huge legacy.’
Back in the day, and really not so long ago, these two gentlemen were leaders in the retail sector of Wellington. Kirkcaldie and Stains was the absolute doyen of shopping.
In the halcyon days, of the 1980s and 1990s the combination of Graham Roche, K&S's Sales and Marketing Manager, and Peter Hansen, K&S's Chief Executive was impressive. They saw to it, through their leadership, dedication and commitment, to not only K&S, but Wellington too, our city was the retail destination of New Zealand.
It was strong well directed leadership too. I well remember, how both men were right to the fore, in leading K&S out of the 1987 economic downtown, and kept CBD retailing relavent, and front and centre.
Both men were strong personalities, were reliable, lateral, and in total sync with each other. You often saw them on "the floor" at Kirks, inspiring and influencing the Kirks Team.
Kirks was the "Wellington Brand!" People from all around New Zealand looked forward to the K&S shopping experience. When you went into the store it was always special. The displays were first class, and the product lines matched.The staff were the best part of the experience too! An emphasis was placed on people first, and foremost.
Peter and Graham commanded respect by virtue of their actions. They were always immaculately presented, and were both sought after for their leadership, wisdom and expertise, and in a number of areas. Peter lead The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and in his term Wellington saw great economic growth, cohesion and collaboration.
Both men were community minded, contributed greatly, and were visible in many areas of Wellington life.
Kirks was fully engaged with the Wellington community, its people, its events, and its occasions. The charitable work the store involved itself in was impressive. It was a win win for all.
Peter and Graham made the most of opportunities, and took calculated risks. They were steadfast, honest and confident, without being overbearing, or over-confident. They rarely failed in a project or venture. Kirks was the centre piece of the retail draw to our CBD It was largely through both men's innovation and people skills. They took the Kirks team for a great ride, and gained valuable returns as a result.
If there were two people who Wellington could draw inspiration from at this time, it would be Peter Hansen and Graham Roche. Two very fine Wellingtonians, who have passed on, who are certainly remembered with a lot of respect and affection in our city.
Well over the past few months, I have had a chance to go over a bit of history.
In 1981 Wellington's Mayor of the time Michael Fowler, was Knighted by Her Majesty, at the Town Hall. It was a stunning occasion.
It was my first experience with The British Rat Pack. Even in our Town Hall it was a bit rough and tumble. There was a definite hierarchy in respect of the press photographers, and I was made well aware I was the bottom of the food chain.
Sir Michael was a family friend, and I was determined to get The Shot!
The first barrier was "No Flash!" In fact Anwar, the Head Honcho British Rat Packer, went round the photographers, warning them of the consequences! He was imposing!
It was super dark in The Town Hall. After some jostling, I got the pic I was after, and then the difficulties really began. Because of the red carpet everything bounced around red! The sword could hardly be seen as it was camouflaged against the red that was around it.
I spent hours in the darkroom trying to balance things, and this was the result I came up with! There is still red reflected in the sword, however that was the best I could do at that time.
The Town Hall, that day looked stunning, with Parks Director, Ian Galloway and his Parks and Reserves Team floral arrangements being totally spectacular.
Sir Michael is one of Wellington's great leaders. His partnership with the Deputy Mayor, the late Ian Lawrence was largely responsible for Wellington moving ahead in leaps and bounds during that period of Wellington's history.
The photo of Sir Michael being knighted, was my first introduction to Royalty, and Her Majesty, be it from a distance!