Frank Carpay, best known for his textile design work, embodies a period in Crown Lynn’s history of experimentation with modern artware. Up until 2024, Te Toi Uku did not have any Frank Carpay pieces in the collection and thus were unable to highlight his story. However, thanks to the extraordinary generousity of Carl Larsen, friend of the Museum, we are now the proud custodians of several wonderful Carpay ceramics! These pieces are displayed in the Museum for everybody to enjoy.  

Born in the Netherlands, and educated in design at Hertogenbosh Technical College, Frank Carpay was keenly interested in designing and decorating ceramics. In 1950, he spent time with Pablo Picasso, as well as the pottery decorators Roger Capron and Roger Picault. Perhaps inspired by these talented men, Carpay set up his own small commercial pottery in the early 1950s, but was unfortunately met with difficulties which eventually resulted in its closure. In 1953, Carpay was looking for a change and contacted the then Auckland mayor, John Allum, enquiring about design work at any of the Auckland potteries. Crown Lynn was hiring for a designer, and Carpay took the job. 

Frank Carpay worked as a designer in the Crown Lynn Specials Department from 1953 to 1956. Well-known for his abstract and experimental designs, he was well received amongst the various art societies across Aotearoa. Unfortunately, this sentiment did not extend to the general public, many of whom preferring to eat their dinner from plates adorned with floral transfers or simple patterns. As a result, Crown Lynn struggled to sell Carpay’s work, and he was eventually let go.  

After his time at Crown Lynn, Carpay continued to pursue his passion for bold, modernist motifs, developing a successful textile design business with his partner Carla.  

Another heartfelt thank you to Carl Larsen for making this display possible.