Jack Ilott oral history project

John (Jack) Virtue Ilott born December 1913 in Wellington. Describes family background, parents and grandparents: grandfather John Ilott started the family firm, J Ilott Ltd, later Ilott Advertising in 1892; mother Hazel Ilott nee Hall an opera singer. Talks about childhood: live-in housekeepers, discipline, Sunday school, holidays in Taupo, homes in Dixon Street and 'Wyndcliffe' on the Terrace. Recalls visits by Sid Holland and other guests to the house. Recalls 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, death carts to Karori and illness of both parents. Describes education at Montessori school then Wellesley College. Talks about attending Christ's College, bullying, classical music evenings, chapel, sport, discipline, leaving school aged 17 to join the family firm as an office boy. Talks about the family firm: office personalities, other firms dealt with, effect of the Depression on the firm. Recalls studying accountancy part-time at Victoria University, involvement in University Extravaganza and Easter tournament - describes participation in boxing, names of trainers and successful fights. Describes working his way up in the company - an account executive by the 1950s, taking over in approximately 1970. Discusses the advertising business: competition between agencies, impact of television, annual conference and agency association. Recalls Ilotts as the leading agency from 1922 until 1982. Describes role of Harold (Harry) Austed in the company. Describes impact of Korean War and EEC on businesses in New Zealand. Talks about overseas experience in England, joining Arks Agency and visiting the continent for holidays. Recalls World War II, employment of women during and after the war, social life during the war. Describes relationship with father, and recalls father's management style and personal interests.

Talks about becoming interested in philanthropy. Describes Ilott Charitable Trust and talks about contributions to Victoria University, St Andrews Church, Hutt Golf Club, Ilott Concert Chamber and other gifts. Describes difference between Trust and personal donations. Discusses involvement in New Zealand Association of Philanthropic Trusts, attitudes of owners of big firms to philanthropy, Jack Ilott Oral History Education Fund. Talks about involvement in Marriage Guidance in the 1960s and promoting the training of counsellors. Talks about sister, Suzanne McKellar, her education and family; fathers declining years and death of mother. Describes involvement in Heart Foundation, Rotary, Junior Chamber of Commerce, then Jaycees. Discusses overseas trips and current home at Broadwater Appartments, Oriental Bay. Talks about interest in mental health issues, not being married and friendships with women. Describes relationship with Anne Stidworthy, living in appartment at time of interview.

Abstracted by - Hugo Manson

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Accompanying material - Project report

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012918 - OHC-012924

Quantity: 7 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5.45 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4502.

Copy of colour photograph of Jack Ilott, undated. Copy of black and white photograph of Jack Ilott aged 10

Search dates: 1913 - 1997

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.