On Trademe I came across 3 McAlpine jugs being sold as a
set. These jugs are Crown Lynn and were made in 1950 in New Zealand. Crown Lynn pottery was incredibly popular, in
the 1960s and was found in many typical New Zealand homes. The popularity of
Crown Lynn was due to the fact that it was often seen as unbreakable, and very functional
due to its factory and commercial background (being used on trains). Crown Lynn products were originally 'factory' design, and only started being designed in the late 1940-50s. The type
of person that would’ve owned these would be any middleclass New Zealander, and
was purchased and used with its functionality in mind. Crown Lynn was one of
the largest producers of household property in the southern hemisphere at that
time and so because of this was very easily accessible. However since then
Crown Lynns popularity has only increased, and is now a highly sought after
collectable brand, increasing in value over time.
These jugs are art deco style, even though they are dated as
1950 and the art deco style died out after the war. The art deco style is
proven by the rounded edges, simple shapes, functionality, colours and
materials used. The popularity of Art deco was largely influenced by the war
and became popular once the role of women changed, as art deco had an essence of
sophistication, elegance and simplicity. Art Deco designs is made up of geometric shapes, and simplicity, which is reflected in the design these jugs, as well as the simple colour palette and the functionality.
References
Auction- Listing #: 469936979
Websites- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Lynn
