Jewels in the Crown of NZ pottery
In the Auckland suburb of New Lynn is Te Toi Uku – Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum, which celebrates what many consider to be a New Zealand icon: Crown Lynn pottery.
Instantly recognisable for its bold patterns and sturdy construction, these dinner sets and ornaments have been part of daily life since 1948, and were most popular in the 1960s and 70s.
For casual visitors and enthusiastic collectors, the museum provides the opportunity to admire and learn about the brand, its origins in 1861 bricks and power line insulators, and its development through to the factory’s closure in 1989.
Why go?
Because you don’t have to be a collector to recognise that this pottery as part of your history.
For most New Zealanders, Crown Lynn crockery or ornaments are an instant trip back to family dinners or visits to grandma’s.
While other museums recognise Crown Lynn’s place in national history, and feature it in their displays, it’s only at Te Toi Uku that you will find the actual tools and equipment that were used to make the pottery.
The museum itself, owned by the Portage Ceramics Trust and recently renovated, is on the site of the original brickworks, and next door is an old kiln. Displays of plates and mugs, swans, chess pieces and more are supplemented by information about the production processes which, while eventually highly mechanised, still incorporated a lot made by hand.
Storyboards describe the initial creative processes, and introduce the people behind them, as well as detailing how the first utilitarian designs were overtaken by more contemporary shapes and decoration, reflecting the increasing sophistication of public taste.
Insider tip
Curator Rosemary Deane is a fount of knowledge about the brand, and welcomes questions. If you’re sceptical about how valued these once-common pieces of china now are, have a search on Trade Me to be enlightened.
On the way/nearby
If you want more lovely pottery to admire, then Titirangi isn’t far away, where you’ll find some artfully displayed at Te Uru Waita¯kere Contemporary Gallery, plus much more. McCahon House is tucked into the bush nearby, with examples of Colin McCahon’s art and the story of his life there. Or you could admire nature and sculpture at Waiku¯ mete Cemetery, which is a lovely place for a stroll. For something entirely different, The Charlotte Museum is quite close, celebrating lesbian culture with a wide range of exhibits.
How much?
Entry is free, though donations are welcome. The museum is normally open Wednesday to Friday, 10am until 4pm, and Saturdays, 10am until 3pm.
Best time to go
The museum’s next biannual Crown Lynn Collector’s Market will be at New Lynn Community Centre on Sunday, May 2, from 9am until 1pm. The first New Zealand Studio Pottery Market will be part of the event.