Information on Alexander Turnbull

Born 14 September 1868. Died 28 June 1918. Interred at Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington.

Alexander Turnbull, born in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 14, 1868, was a prominent figure known for his extensive book collection, which later formed the basis of the Alexander Turnbull Library. He was the sixth child and youngest son of Walter Turnbull, a merchant, and his wife, Alexandrina Horsburgh. The Turnbull family, originally from Scotland, had settled in Wellington in 1857. Alexander received his early education in Wellington before his family relocated to London in 1875, where he attended Dulwich College. Despite an undistinguished academic record, he was active in sports, particularly rugby and shooting.

Turnbull's journey into collecting began with a coin collection at the age of eight. His passion for books was ignited with the purchase of J. H. Kerry-Nicholls's "The King Country; or, explorations in New Zealand" in late 1885, marking the beginning of his extensive collection. Following the sale of the family firm, Turnbull, Smith and Company, in 1888, Alexander had the freedom to indulge in his interests, leading to the growth of his collection, which soon encompassed themes like New Zealand, Pacific exploration, Scottish history, English literature, and the fine arts.

Alexander returned to Wellington in 1892, joining the family's general merchant firm, W. & G. Turnbull and Company. His collecting became more focused, with an emphasis on New Zealand, Māori and Pacific artefacts, and an ambition to build a comprehensive collection related to New Zealand. His bibliophilic pursuits expanded to include ocean voyages, naval history, James Cook, and English drama.

Turnbull was a multifaceted individual, balancing his life between the cultural milieu of fin de siècle London and his commitment to New Zealand. His dual focus is reflected in his collection: European high culture and a national collection documenting New Zealand and its surroundings. He was a pragmatist, driven by a persistent pursuit of his goals, and his aspiration was for his collection to aid future researchers seeking truth.

Turnbull's recreational interests included golf and yachting. He was actively involved in several clubs and organizations, such as the Hutt Golf Club, the Arawa Sailing Club, and the Port Nicholson Yacht Club. He was also a member of various societies, including the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Geographical Society.

His vast library, housed in his specially designed home, was valued at £51,800 in 1918, containing around 55,000 volumes and thousands of maps, paintings, and manuscripts. The Alexander Turnbull Library, established posthumously, is a testament to his dedication to collecting and preserving knowledge. It serves as a national reference and research library, fulfilling Turnbull's vision of creating a nucleus for a New Zealand National Collection.

Alexander Turnbull passed away on June 28, 1918, following an operation on his sinuses. He never married and was survived by his sister, Joanna, and his brother, Robert Thorburn Turnbull. His legacy lives on through the library that bears his name, a significant cultural and historical resource for New Zealand.

Further information can be found at:

• teara.govt.nz