Ardmore South Africa – Dish modelled as a Hoopoe Bird

From a collection of individualised Ardmore ceramics by Ardmore Ceramic Art, KwaZuu Natal, South Africa.

A vibrant and unique dish, modelled as a colourful Hoopoe Bird. Created by Somandla and painted by the artist Mbusi.

The dish is in perfect original condition.

The story of Ardmore began thirty-seven years ago when, in 1985, Fée Halstead started on a journey teaching ceramics to a talented group of rural people on a farm in the remote corner of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

Ardmore is derived from the name of the first farm Fée lived on in the entrancing Champagne Valley in Kwazulu-Natal, this farm being the place where she first met Bonnie Ntshalintshali. Bonnie became Fée’s first student and in 1990 under Fée’s mentorship they were jointly awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist award.

Today the studio is home to over 70 African artists whose ceramic works are recognised as modern day collectables by auction houses Christies, Bonhams and Sotheby’s.

Ardmore design has emerged creating vibrant and elegant fabric collections sought after by leading decorators.  Ardmore works in collaboration with renowned French fashion house Hermès, producing a line of lavish scarves, and also with British wallpaper manufacturer, Cole & Son.

Each piece of Ardmore ceramics is uniquely different and over the years has become more valuable and a worthwhile investment.