to include a giraffe-handled mug raised on three feet, 14cm high; a sugar bowl and cover with giraffe finial, 12.5cm high; a leopard-handled milk jug, 9.5cm high; a twin-lipped vase modelled in relief with two crocodiles, 15cm high; a chameleon vase, 19.5cm high; and a teapot and cover modelled with bird finial, all variously signed and dated 1997-1999 to the undersides; together with Scott, Gillian, Ardmore: An African Discovery, Fernwood Press, 2001 (7)

Founded in 1985, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa, Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio is one of the most distinctive and celebrated ceramics studios on the continent. Known for its richly decorated, sculptural pottery, Ardmore blends African storytelling traditions with fine craftsmanship, resulting in vibrant works that effortlessly straddle the boundary between art and utility.

The studio was established by Fée Halsted-Berning, who began by teaching ceramics Bonnie Ntshalintshali, a young local artist. Their collaboration laid the foundation for what would become a collective of Zulu artists, many of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ardmore quickly grew into a creative hub, offering training, employment, and a sense of community to its artists. The charitable aspect of Ardmore’s mission has always been central—providing economic opportunity in a challenging region with limited employment prospects, especially for women.

Prized for their fusion of exuberant forms and intricate surface detailing, Ardmore pieces are, crucially, a collaboration between modellers and painters. This team-based approach fosters a sense of shared purpose and pride among its artists, many of whom have gained international recognition. More than just decorative objects, Ardmore’s ceramics carry a deeper significance: they reflect a commitment to social mobility through art and stand as a powerful example of how creative work can be both culturally rich and socially transformative.

Condition Report

Makers include: Octavia, Agnes
Painters include: Angeline, Makhekhe, Mavis, Lihie, Tiroroy

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