Frances Martin

Frances Martin lives in Te Matau-a-Māui with her partner and two children. They are the owners of The Martin House, an iconic Category One historic property that was designed by renowned Māori architect, John Scott.

The house was originally built in 1970 for Frances’ grandparents, celebrated New Zealand potters, Bruce and Estelle Martin. Frances and her whānau ensure that their legacy is kept alive by sharing both the story and the space with the community.

Frances is the Central North Island Regional Representative for Ceramics New Zealand and works part-time as a gallery educator. Here she shares her thoughts on her favourite Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Cotton Fine Ribbed Socks // Persimmon

Our bathroom’s this shade of orange, and so are the ceilings in the children’s bedrooms. I also dearly love our persimmon tree because of the colour it adds to an otherwise dreary winter garden. All this is to say that I’m a fan of all things orange. I have now proudly claimed it as my favourite colour.

2. Chestnut Tissue Box

Many years ago I bought a tissue box similar to this one from Everyday Needs. I adore a simple, useful object that I’ll keep forever. I love that now it’s an object my children have grown up with. It’s a beautiful thing but also probably associated with sniffles and tears, the unavoidable stuff of life and childhood.

3. Amrum Beanie // Rust

My son wears a red merino beanie. I bought it for myself but the second he stole it from me and put it on we knew it was destined for him. It’s his staple. It’s similar to this one. It’s become an essential piece of his personality; without it he wouldn’t be the same. Or perhaps I need one for myself? They’re essential for winter kiln firings.

4. Hand Painted Cup

I am totally biased here, Scott and Yasmin are friends of ours and I am a huge admirer of their work. I own two cups like these. I bought them for myself for Christmas a few years ago. I use them for takeaway coffee, I use them for wine and I keep them on a shelf with the precious things rather than hidden away with the bulk of the mug collection. I can’t emphasise enough how essential it is to buy handmade ceramics. If you can, support a maker to keep making. They’re perfect gifts, perfect to use and beautiful objects. Scott’s currently building a new wood fired kiln on our property, which is very exciting. I can’t wait to see what new work comes out of it.

5. Hookalotti // Brick Red

Because of the historic nature of this house, I’m always hesitant to drill holes in anything. These hooks make me want to drill holes in things. They're gorgeous. It’s the colour. I’m a Martino Gamper fan. I’ll just have to make do with stools, spitzes and anything else that doesn’t require hole drilling.