John QUILTER Obituary

John Quilter and his bookshop were an enormous part of my life as an undergraduate in Wellington.

Visiting Quilters was a serendipitous experience. It almost never had what I was looking for, but I never failed to find something I wanted. The eclectic collection and John’s thoughtful recommendations took me and in directions I had never contemplated, but which I am very glad to have taken the time to explore.

Much love to John’s family. He will be missed.

Following my father's recommendation, I first visited "Quilter's" halfway up Plimmer Steps, then followed it to Lambton Quay and to the neighbourhood of Cuba Street. Dad bought NZ history and biography; I stocked up on children's literature - OUP hardbacks in their original dustjackets - and came across even rarer treasures (original Kay Nielsen illustrations published in The Bookman of 1913...). Both of us enjoyed our conversations with Mr Q.: he was always happy to pass on - and occasionally receive - knowledge, and never condescended even to the naive young woman I was then.

Very sorry to hear that another Wellington identity has left the scene, but remember John, the shop and our chats with great pleasure.

I am very sad to hear of John's death. I met him in Christchurch in the 70's. I valued his friendship and knowledge most highly.

The loss of a bookselling legend. He will be greatly missed.
Brian Phillips

sorry to hear of Johns passing. I met john in his bookshop up Plimmer steps in the early mid 70's
through my interest in art books. He was always pleasant to deal with a smile and pleasant manner.
pleasant to deal with a smile and very helpful. He
Will be missed by Wellington readers with his great knowledge in his field.
Kind Regards to Rosemary.
Regards to Rosemary.

Many, many thanks, John, for the books and the chats. Generous with both your knowledge and your time. Pure gold, my friend, pure gold.

Always a wise and encouraging presence. A sailor to Byzantium.

I remember going to visit him as a kid in Christchurch he was a great friend of my dad.Had a wooden leg in his shed .

Happy school day memories and our fun times in Christchurch many years ago. We are so sad to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with you all .Percival family,Christchurch.

John Quilter and his shop in its various locations were delights of Wellington. Many will be saddened to hear of his death.

Sad news. I knew John and his wonderful bookshop through my old pal, bibliophile and public service IT colleague Peter Trewern. Thoughts and condolences to his family.

A marvellous man and a delight to talk books and the world with. Sympathy to Rosemary and family.

Chris Pugsley

So very sorry to learn of John's passing. He was one of nature' true gentlemen and it was entirely through John that I developed a love of the second hand book trade which led to me purchasing the House of Books in Waterloo, Lower Hutt 21 years ago. I extend my deepest sympathy to John's family and pray God's love will sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.

It's very sad to learn of John's passing. He became part of Wellington's intellectual scene. We first met when I came to Wellington in 1979 when he was on Plimmer Steps. One just had to keep going back to his shop. He was like having a knowledgeable colleague in the book business. In the true sense of the term John was a scholar and a gentleman. He was very kind, generous and made you feel he was interested in your reading and research. There always seemed to be a chair beside his desk and in quieter moments he'd invite you to sit for a chat. He was the quintessential antiquarian bookseller. Sympathy to Rosemary and family.

Farewell John, you have made my life better. Just a quick dash across the road from the chaos of the Wellington District Court, you and your shop would provide an oasis of calm, a refuge where I would go for a "quick' browse.
There are few pleasures that compare to browsing in a good second-hand bookshop. The unique smell of pages long closed now turned, opening up tales and adventures previously unknown to the reader. Plates artfully and carefully engraved, with a care and craft no longer seen.
One of the chief joys is that it´s entirely unpredictable what you´ll emerge with. My shelves groan with books sourced from these random expeditions to your shop. Each one cherished and valued. Thank you

John and I were born a few days apart but we never met until third form of high school. We had another friend called Brian Percival and we were all very close. We even formed a band, recorded ourselves on a tape (remember them?) and foolishly buried it in my parents garden as a `time capsule´. Neither of us were drinkers which meant that we grew up safely. We were all obsessed with literature and `Blues´ music.
I was John´s Best Man at his wedding and he was mine. He was a genuinely gentle man in the true and lovely meaning of the word.
Much love to Rosemary and his children and family. He was a very special friend.
Roger Bell

John was instrumental in our collection of Rare books for many years---such a lovely ,modest man who became such a good friend----always helpful, a sense of humour, a highlight always to visit him and discuss books...His knowledge, patience and book investigative skills, were immense...so sad to hear news---sending sympathy to his family...

So sorry to read this news. I think John was a fellow business owner close by on Lambton Quay for nearly as long as I was. Always a gentleman with a smile and an expert in his field.