A New Zealand Icon….?
“Crown Lynn, A New Zealand Icon” is the name of Valerie Ringer Monk’s story of the New Zealand pottery and along with her new book the “Crown Lynn Collectors Handbook” there is now great reference material that makes finding and collecting pieces all the more interesting. While not even close to “antique” age, I felt that I had to take time to mention Crown Lynn in an article about Antiques and Collectables.
Love it or hate it, most of us have some of it, as Crown Lynn was prolific in its production.
Starting business in the 1890’s as a drainpipe manufacturer and moving into brick and tiles it wasn’t until the 1930’s that the first domestic pieces were made.
Railway cups from the 1940’s and 1950’s would be recognised by many train travellers of the day, and they must find it very strange that something made in their thousands and so long ignored and abused is now sought after by the next generation.
As the pottery techniques and skills improved in the 1950’s and 1960’s the factory produced a wide range of dinnerware and household goods as well as some distinctive art pottery and decorative items.
With a consumer market familiar with English potteries and mistrusting after the initial poor quality of Crown Lynn, they used branding such as “British”, “Regal Potteries”, “Fancy Fayre”, Goldline, Fleurette, and “Ascot” to tempt buyers to try their new ranges.
Towards the end of the 1990’s, much had been relegated to the garage, student houses, club house kitchens and charity shops.
With the exhibition of Crown Lynn at Te Papa, the publication of Valerie Monk’s books, and various lifestyle features, new homemakers are again searching out Crown Lynn patterns and styles for their homes. A testament to the quality, style colours and design… or maybe just to nostalgia and National pride!
Every home should have some Crown Lynn…
Daphne Geisler of Vintage Treasures 4 Kansas St.
