About
Fran was trained as a designer, silversmith and jeweller, first at Middlesex University and then the Royal College of Art, London, UK.
Contracted to Creative New Zealand as the Talente scout and mentor for six years, she has been a member of the Objectspace Board of Trustees and was employed as Programme Leader Jewellery and Senior Lecturer at Manukau School of Creative Arts for 22 years (from 1995 to the closure of the school in late 2017) following a teaching career both abroad and in New Zealand.
Fran is currently employed in the area of exhibition and display at Auckland War Memorial Museum whilst working as a freelance maker, regularly exhibiting work nationally and internationally.
Her work moves fluidly between disciplines often with politically motivated explorations.
‘Your Basic Tee’, winner of the Akel Schulte Award in the Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Awards 2018 and Value Added (30 hours), included in Schmuck 2025, both commenting on the true cost of fast fashion, specifically highlighting the exploitation and ethical dilemmas behind everyday, mass produced garments.
Frans pieces are in the permanent collections of The Dowse Art Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Victoria and private collectors in New Zealand and abroad.