10 Things You Didn’t Know About… Vancouver arts maven Bruce Munro Wright

Credit: Paul Duchart

Bruce Munro Wright (far right) was co-chair of Arts Umbrella’s Splash gala earlier this year 

The former Vancouver Art Gallery and Opera Foundation chair digs on Haida Gwaii and scraping chewing gum off chairs

Bruce Munro Wright isn’t your run-of-the-mill lawyer.

Though he’s been a partner at Vancouver-based MLT Aikins since 2015, Wright has a colourful past, having served as both chair of the Vancouver Opera Foundation and the Vancouver Art Gallery. (He took home the first National Opera Directors Emeritus Award for his efforts in the former.)

His Arthur Erickson-designed home in the city is also colourful—filled with a collection of contemporary art with a focus on B.C. artists.

Here are some other things you (probably) didn’t know about Bruce Munro Wright.

What is your favourite spot in B.C.?

Gwaii Haanas in Haida Gwaii—heaven on earth. Also, my rooftop deck in Fairview Slopes looking out on my Vancouver world of mountains, sea, bridges and cityscape. 

Where did you go on your last vacation?

I’m on one right now in Osoyoos for a Nature Conservancy board meeting. Last big one was this summer for a week in Mexico City with my friend Nada at the funky Camino Real Polanco, complete with its own Naguchi fountain. Great architecture, restaurants and exploring. 

What is your most memorable podcast, film or book?

Given my memory these days, it’s the last book I read—Bit Rot by my friend Douglas Coupland.

Favourite restaurant/bar?

In Vancouver, my fallback is always the Bacchus Lounge at the Wedgwood—cozy atmosphere. 

What is your morning routine?

Three days a week, it’s off to the trainer early before I wake up and can find an excuse not to go. The other days, it’s coffee and a paper now that I’ve retired from the law office. 

Hobby?

Collecting contemporary art, cuisine, playing the piano and the arts generally. 

What is your favourite quote?

“You may say that. I couldn’t possibly comment” —Ian Richardson from the British House of Cards trilogy.

Also, my grandmother’s Scottish expression, “You can get used to anything but hanging.”

Or anything by Winston Churchill. 

Best advice ever received?

Don’t always do the easiest stuff first. 

Your worst job ever?

Chewing-gum scraper at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. Followed closely by delivering Pampers to old folks homes when I worked for a pharmacy as a kid. 

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

A spirit bear from the Great Bear Rainforest. Great scenery, protected status, dramatic coat of fur and relatively good diet compared to many animals.