Information on Harry Doyle

Harry Doyle, known primarily for his relationship with renowned New Zealand writer Frank Sargeson, was a figure who lived a life intertwined with both the literary and the everyday world of New Zealand. Born circa 1893 and passing away in May 1971, Doyle was a horse trainer by profession. His life took a significant turn when he met Frank Sargeson, then known as Norris Davey, a relationship that profoundly influenced both their lives.

Frank Sargeson, born as Norris Frank Davey, was a pivotal figure in New Zealand literature, known for his unique style and his influence on the country's literary landscape. His connection with Doyle began in a rather serendipitous manner. In May 1931, Sargeson moved to his family's bach in Takapuna, Auckland, where he committed himself to writing and nurturing a distinctive literary voice. During this period, he encountered various individuals who were, in his own words, "odds-and-ends kind of people" that he cherished and sought to comfort. Among these individuals was Harry Doyle, who had been suspended from his career as a horse trainer and was about ten years Sargeson's senior. This meeting marked the beginning of a deep and enduring bond between the two men.

Their relationship was not just a romantic one but also a profound friendship that lasted throughout their lives. They first crossed paths on the Auckland waterfront in 1935, after which Doyle became a recurring presence in Sargeson's life. Doyle frequently visited and stayed at Sargeson's Takapuna bach, which had become a central location in Sargeson's life and work. As Doyle's health declined later in life, he lived permanently at the bach from 1967 until a month before his death in 1971, in a room that had been added specifically for him.

The relationship between Harry Doyle and Frank Sargeson was significant not only in their personal lives but also in the context of New Zealand's cultural and literary history. Doyle's presence in Sargeson's life during a time when Sargeson was developing his unique literary voice suggests a deep mutual influence. Their story reflects a narrative of companionship, care, and shared life experiences during a time when such relationships were often obscured in public discourse.

Further information can be found at:

• queerhistory.nz
• nzetc.victoria.ac.nz