Notes from the Gus Fisher Gallery Exhibition

FROM THE STAFF COLLECTIONS

There was a small display to the right of the main gallery which had a few interesting pieces together with some interesting comments from the gallery staff. The following are a few extracts for those that missed the exhibition or missed this display case.

A modest collection of Crown Lynn from the homes of gallery staff, these pieces are all rich in personal history, taste and point to the lasting popularity of this iconic
New Zealand brand which continues to grace display cases, bookshelves, tables and kitchens throughout the country.

The Teal Colourglaze pieces belong to Gallery Technician Samuel Hartnett and were originally in use at Kingseat Mental Institution at Karaka Sth. Auckland.
This original use highlights the early success of Tom Clark and Crown Lynn in winning the bids and securing orders for Railways ,Hospitals and other Govt departments and their ability to learn how to make vitrified hard wearing pieces for these institutions who demanded durability.
Sam Hartnett gleefully points out that the green hue of the pieces would have been a charmingly overpowering echo of the green of the hospital walls.

All of the pieces of Crown Lynn owned by Cynthia Smith are missing from this display as they are in constant use in the staff kitchen still doing what they were designed for 20 years after the factory closed.

Gallery curator Andrew Clifford is interested in Fakes, Mistakes and similar.
The dish and Pepper shaker displayed are from the Crown Lynn ovenproof range
and replicates the Tango range of Swedish Manufacturer Rostrand. not the first time that Crown Lynn had done this.