Lynn and Mike have aimed to create work that reflects their own individuality as makers while contributing to the ongoing collective evolution of functional pottery, encouraging the use and enjoyment of handmade ceramics in everyday life.
Lynn and Mike Spencer are Taranaki based and have been making pottery full time since 1973 and have always made functional work. Their kitchenware and tableware is their own interpretation of many traditional forms and making methods, mostly thrown, but also including press-moulding and hand-building. Their work has developed and changed slowly over the years.
Lynn and Mike have always made stoneware pottery. Several early kilns were diesel fired. In 1983 they built a large two-chambered wood-fired kiln which takes around 26+ hours to fire. Reluctantly the pair had to stop firing the wood kiln but it still remains the large gentle giant waiting to be reused at some time in the future - if anyone is strong, young and enthusiastic enough to do it!
Since 2006 Lynn and Mike have been working with white stoneware and translucent porcelain fired in an electric kiln and they continue to make a large range of tableware.
Lynn and Mike have aimed to create work that reflects their own individuality as makers while contributing to the ongoing collective evolution of functional pottery, encouraging the use and enjoyment of handmade ceramics in everyday life.
Lynn and Mike Spencer are Taranaki based and have been making pottery full time since 1973 and have always made functional work. Their kitchenware and tableware is their own interpretation of many traditional forms and making methods, mostly thrown, but also including press-moulding and hand-building. Their work has developed and changed slowly over the years.
Lynn and Mike have always made stoneware pottery. Several early kilns were diesel fired. In 1983 they built a large two-chambered wood-fired kiln which takes around 26+ hours to fire. Reluctantly the pair had to stop firing the wood kiln but it still remains the large gentle giant waiting to be reused at some time in the future - if anyone is strong, young and enthusiastic enough to do it!
Since 2006 Lynn and Mike have been working with white stoneware and translucent porcelain fired in an electric kiln and they continue to make a large range of tableware.
Lynn and Mike have aimed to create work that reflects their own individuality as makers while contributing to the ongoing collective evolution of functional pottery, encouraging the use and enjoyment of handmade ceramics in everyday life.
Lynn and Mike Spencer are Taranaki based and have been making pottery full time since 1973 and have always made functional work. Their kitchenware and tableware is their own interpretation of many traditional forms and making methods, mostly thrown, but also including press-moulding and hand-building. Their work has developed and changed slowly over the years.
Lynn and Mike have always made stoneware pottery. Several early kilns were diesel fired. In 1983 they built a large two-chambered wood-fired kiln which takes around 26+ hours to fire. Reluctantly the pair had to stop firing the wood kiln but it still remains the large gentle giant waiting to be reused at some time in the future - if anyone is strong, young and enthusiastic enough to do it!
Since 2006 Lynn and Mike have been working with white stoneware and translucent porcelain fired in an electric kiln and they continue to make a large range of tableware.
24th Sept 1943 – 19th Dec 2025
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lynn Spencer late last year. Lynn’s creative spirit and dedication to her craft leave behind a lasting legacy that will continue to be cherished through the many pieces she created alongside Mike over the years.
Since beginning to work with porcelain, Mike has explored the idea of intricate embossing across the surface. This was originally inspired by the complex repetitive patterning found within Moorish architecture, particularly the interiors of Alhambra, which Mike and Lynn visited in the early 2000s.
Some of the objects used for embossing are found in nature, while others are distinctly human-made artefacts. Yet within the overall composition they lose their individual identity, becoming part of a richly layered pattern that, combined with the shine of the glaze, creates a jewel-like surface texture.
In contrast, Lynn has always pursued fluidity of form, creating shapes that require little decoration.
Jug - green
$77.00
Jug - blue
$77.00
Dipping Bowl - blue
$27.00
Dipping Bowl - green
$27.00
Dipping Bowl - plum
$27.00
Dessert Bowl - green
$35.00
Dessert Bowl - blue
$35.00
Salad Bowl
$155.00
Side Dish - green
$43.00
Side Dish - green
$43.00
Side Dish - plum
$43.00
Footed Dish - blue
$82.00
Square Dish - blue
$65.00
Salt Cellar - green
$32.00
Salt Cellar - plum
$32.00
Beaker - green
$39.00
