In 1985 the Ardmore studio was founded, by Zimbabwean-born ceramic artist, Fée Halsted, on the Ardmore farm which sat along the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains.
Later that year, Fée Halsted grew the Ardmore studio team and welcomed Bonakele (Bonnie) Ntshalintshali, who began her ceramics apprenticeship under Fée. In 1989, the Ardmore studio team grew again with the addition of two sisters, Punch and Mavis Shabalala, who each developed their unique painterly style.
By 1991, Ardmore had begun displaying ceramics in the prestigious jewellery market and also garnered support and recognition from various established enterprises. By the year 1996, Ardmore had grown to open a second studio in Springvale.
In the following years, Bonnie Nsthalinsthali, Agness Ndlovu, Phineas Mweli and several other artists of the Ardmore studio, unfortunately died of AIDS-related illnesses that had swept through South Africa and would claim the lives of many other artists over the next two decades.
Ardmore then established the Ardmore Excellence Fund which serves to provide ARV medication to people with HIV and AIDS and assist in medical expenses, education, funeral costs, basic nutrition and provide care to orphans who are affected by HIV and AIDS.
Throughout the years that followed the establishment of the Ardmore Excellence Fund, the Ardmore studio grew and launched its sister company, ‘Ardmore Design’ which specialized in the creation of fabrics, furnishings and design objects in addition to the ceramic pieces for which Ardmore Ceramic Art had become famous.
Since its establishment, Ardmore Ceramics and its numerous artists, have received multiple awards in recognition for the quality, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that Ardmore Ceramics products embody.
The company was able to venture into a separate business from Ardmore Ceramic Art after receiving a generous grant from the Business Trust’s Shared Growth Challenge Fund. Ardmore Ceramics is now equally celebrated and respected worldwide.
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...