Pride of Africa -Ardmore

By Louise Irvine

Ardmore Ceramics are in the spotlight during Black History month. Founder Fée Halsted has been discussing her Pride of Africa theme for this year which highlights the importance of family.

As Fée says, “In the African bush, family can mean the difference between life and death: the wisdom of an elder, the strength of a brother, a mother’s love. Family is everything.” Families are also becoming increasingly important at Ardmore as a new generation of artists follow their parents and other relatives into the studio as sculptors and painters. The late Bonnie Ntshalintshali’s son Senzo is making his mark in the sculpture department and Jabu Nene’s daughter, Nozipho, is following her mother’s decorative painting style.

Fee’s own children are now all in the business and helping to take Ardmore in new directions. Her son Jonathan develops fabrics, soft furnishings, and other licensed products for Ardmore Design. Her daughters, Catherine and Megan, have been designing scarves for Hermes, handbags and other fashion accessories along with the Ardmore artists. Fée has also been collaborating in exhibitions with her brother-in-law Patrick Mavros, who designs silver sculptures and jewelry for his Zimbabwean luxury brand. The family all share a strong design ethos inspired by the African wilderness.

Come to the spectacular exhibit of Ardmore Ceramic Art at WMODA and see the sculptures focusing on family, like the Zulu royal family in traditional dress. Choose from the selection of Ardmore soft furnishings in the museum shop. The latest Ardmore ceramics will be exhibited by the Pascoe Gallery at the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique show from February 14-19.