Charger

A design-conscious New Zealand home in the 1950s and 60s might have included colourful, textured objects like these, made by the modernist designer John Crichton.

Crichton’s exotic-yet-accessible interior schemes were influenced by his years living in Burma and Malaysia, and his interest in American modernist architecture and Japanese interior design. His lighting, bowls, patio chairs, planters, and other designs created an informal ambience and encouraged a connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Crichton’s shop in Kitchener Street, Auckland, was a mecca for the design curious. Close by was the studio workshop Room 50. Crichton collaborated with several specialist manufacturers there, including lampshade-maker Max Robertson.