Valerie Ringer Monk first developed an interest in Crown Lynn over a decade ago, when she began picking up plates and 1970s mugs in second-hand shops. The retro patterns and colours appealed, as did the 50-cent price tags. As her Crown Lynn collection grew, so did her desire to write the story of the people who made it and the factory it came from. A journalist and public relations professional, Valerie lives near Whangarei.