Te Puke
12 September, 2025
NEWS NEW
Eyes look for new home For some, this photograph will make them squirm. For others, it will fascinate. And for another group, it will make them wonder what the story is here. Te Puke man Bruce Brown is looking for a home for his rather unusual collection of
more than 2500 artificial eyes. James didn’t collect the eyes – they were bequeathed to him by his father, James Brown, after his death 29 years ago. James said his father was a prosthetic eye maker who travelled the North Island
offering his services. Each eye he made was unique and he would paint the irises by hand – sometimes sitting in front of the patient. He would also add bits of red velvet to mimic veins in the whites of the eyes too, said Bruce. But now he thinks it’s time to find
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them another home – either together or individually – and so he’s on the lookout for individuals, businesses or a worthy cause like a museum who may want to cherish such a unique anthology. Read more on page 8. Photo / Stuart Whitaker