In 1985, Fée Halsted collaborated with her apprentice, Bonnie Ntshalintshali, to found Ardmore Ceramics. The pair’s exuberant synergy was the reason for their success, being jointly awarded the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 1990.
Originally on Halsted’s family farm beneath the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, Ardmore Ceramics is now situated in Caversham Valley in the Natal Midlands and has grown to be the largest ceramic art studio in South Africa. Acknowledged by Christie’s as “modern day collectables”, the pieces from Ardmore Ceramics have become valuable investments and invaluable African pieces of functional art.
The artists of Ardmore Ceramics are a diverse group from various backgrounds ranging from builders, domestic workers, and freedom fighters, but they all have one thing in common, a passion for their art. Be they painters or sculptors, their work is meticulous and beautiful.
With its characteristic sandy hue contrasting against a striking tapestry of black stripes, the hoopoe is the inspiration behind this breath...
This ceramic rhino takes a rest after a long journey - perhaps even a flight! The artist borrowed patterns from a leopard’s spots to enhan...
When nature inspires art, function and beauty can be achieved....
It is the work of a leading Basotho sculptor renowned for innovating new forms and realistic renderings of animals....
Make a scene with this playful troop of baboons on a ceramic display bowl....
The artist decorated the bowl with the image of an oryx, a species of antelope that wanders the sandy wastelands of Southern Africa. The ani...
In this tureen, an adult sandgrouse is perched and proud while two of its young enjoy the protection and comfort of its body. Enquire at Sou...
She safeguards her young and makes a statement about the nature of this piece; this ceramic box was designed, sculpted and painted with the ...
The form is the work of a master thrower from Zimbabwe, an artist known for highly collectable functional pieces....
Adding her signature green and black palette is a bestselling Zulu painter. Known for crocodile and zebra themed works, achieved through a m...
This salt and pepper ceramic won’t fail to elicit conversation. After all, how many people boast exclusive tableware made by some of Afric...
Here, giraffe patterns, coral tree floral designs and traditional patterning are contrasted to create an imaginative one-of-a-kind piece....
Find a place in your home for this baboon-clad butter dish from SouthAfrica.co.za....
Harnessing the essence of this nocturnal creature, whose movements and behaviour are shrouded in mystery....
In this piece, baboons take a restful posture and in so doing hold the branches for your candles - a suggestion that inspires closeness....
Made by some of the finest African originators, these incredible sandgrouse vases are the exacting collector's dream....
All the neutral greys make it easy to place in your house, too....
From one of Africa's foremost art studios comes this glorious vase, a collaborative effort by an accomplished Sotho sculptor and Zimbabwean ...
With this ceramic fish eagle box, a hiding place becomes an exhibit....
Delicately painted details give the piece a patina-like finish, making it seem as if it’s been in the family for generations....
The sculptor, born in KwaZulu-Natal, communicates the bird’s curiosity by tilting its head - revealing a beady eye. Once handed over to th...
They are differentiated by the tone of their hides, but their postures are reflections of each other...
Upon this vessel, an exquisite palette of greens and golds....
This ceramic urn is a fantastical celebration of the baboon’s form, invoking images of African folktales and indigenous superstition....
The work of a Basotho sculptor and a South African painter with a profound sensitivity for colour...