Diaries of G.V. Hudson

George Vernon Hudson was an entomologist based in Wellington, who, together with his wife and daughter, built the ‘best private insect collection ever made in New Zealand’.

Hudson began his collection when he arrived in New Zealand in 1881 and continued through to his death in 1946.

Hudson began drawing at a young age, his artistic talents nurtured by his father who crafted stained-glass windows.

His paintings, made over the 65 years of his life in New Zealand, carefully balance the needs of science with aesthetics, and offer an exquisite record of the insects of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This series catalogues Hudson’s personal diaries and notebooks, dating from 1878, when as an 11-year-old Hudson authored his first book, titled ‘A Book on insects with numerous plates and cuts British Species’.

This is a wonderful indicator of the early manifestation of Hudson’s passion - a passion that would consume him for his entire life. The remainder of the journals provide a meticulous record of his daily activities along with important events.

These offer unique insights into Hudson’s life, and also allow us to trace his methodological approach to his research.

Hudson was one of New Zealand’s greatest pioneer naturalists and artists.