William Thomas Bray (1906-1977) was born on 15 November 1906, the only son of May and William John Bray. He grew up on a farm in Glen Eden, Auckland with his three sisters, Louisa, Myrtle and Edna. At an early age William had a broad range of interests, including music, which became an important part of his life. He purchased a piano and later a violin for the family. He became a member of the Symphonia of Auckland, now the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
William moved to Wellington at the age of 23, developed his skills in photography, and became a representative New Zealand Amateur Cyclist. He also became interested in becoming a portrait photographer, and the opportunity came in 1930 when he moved to Feilding, taking over a dilapidated photographic studio. In 1931 he married Doris McLean, and together they started married life in the rural Manawatū. Around this time, he became a professional cyclist to help support his business and his new married life. Sadly, he had to forfeit his place in the 1932 New Zealand Olympic cycling team touring Los Angeles.
Throughout the Depression years, William worked hard to perfect his craft, and his portraiture became renowned. Eventually, he purchased a second business in Palmerston North.
In 1956, William’s younger daughter Carol became seriously ill, and William sold the two businesses to seek specialist treatment in Auckland. Tragically, Carol died a year later in 1957, at the young age of 21. After his daughter’s death, nearly three years lapsed before William took up photography again; in 1959, he purchased a studio in Kopeopeo, Whakatāne, moving to The Strand a year later.
In Whakatāne, the family lived at 8 Haig Street and became well-known in the community. During this time, William sponsored two major Arts and Crafts Exhibitions, bringing to Whakatāne many well-known New Zealand artists. William lived in Whakatāne for over ten years, documenting many weddings, functions, and people of the region. He had enormous respect for the people of the Bay of Plenty and produced a portfolio of photographs that he hoped to publish. Unfortunately, he himself became ill, and once again forced to sell his studio, he moved with his family back to Auckland, where he retired.
Photos from the collection
Group Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.94
Polly Rarotapuhikura
Accession number: 2012.22.59
Portrait - Miria Taihakoa and Ani Mahaki
Accession number: 2012.22.60
Portrait - Mere Rau Tohunga
Accession number: 2012.22.61
Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.62
Portrait - Dave Ihe
Accession number: 2012.22.63
Portrait - Moerangi Awarua Ratahi
Accession number: 2012.22.64
Portrait - Hema Manuka
Accession number: 2012.22.65
Portrait - Kuia
Accession number: 2012.22.66
Portrait - Kuia
Accession number: 2012.22.67
Portrait - Unknown
Accession number: 2012.22.75
Accession number: 2012.22.77
Accession number: 2012.22.83
Accession number: 2012.22.84
Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.86
Accession number: 2012.22.88
Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.92
Group Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.93
Group Portrait
Accession number: 2012.22.94
Post Office
Accession number: n/a
Whakatāne
Accession number: n/a
Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club
Accession number: n/a
