Alive with Ardmore’s signature storytelling, this monumental chandelier bursts with sculpted proteas, leopards, and playful monkeys, an abundant suspended creation celebrating the rich flora and fauna of South Africa.
Ardmore has had the honour of creating custom architectural masterpieces for clients in search of the truly extraordinary. Among these special commissions is this remarkable chandelier, a work that celebrates imagination, collaboration, and the courage to bring ambitious ideas to life.
The project began with a beautifully detailed sketch by Nic Whiteing, whose vision immediately captured the imagination of the owners.
The drawing sparked such excitement that they wished to see the design realised without delay, transforming a concept on paper into a sculptural centrepiece.
From the outset, this was a true team effort. The intricate forms were sculpted by artists Slulamile Mlambo and Thabiso Makhele, painted with remarkable skill by Slindile Mchunu and Mthulisi Ncube, and carefully assembled by our long-time Ardmore friend Pete Kennedy. Bringing such a complex artwork to life presented both engineering and logistical challenges, from designing a structure that could support its scale and delicacy, to ensuring it could be safely transported overseas. Our kiln team handled each element with exceptional care during firing, while our packing team took meticulous precautions to prepare the work for its international journey.
Creating a work of this scale was both a challenge and a profound honour. Being entrusted with such an ambitious commission by a valued Ardmore friend meant a great deal to the entire studio. Every stage of the process demanded patience, precision, and collaboration.
The journey was not without its trials. The first chandelier unfortunately broke during the process, a heart-breaking moment for everyone involved. Yet, as is often the case in creative work, the setback led to a stronger solution. The chandelier was redesigned into smaller, modular sections, allowing it to be assembled more securely while also ensuring safer transport across continents.
This thoughtful approach proved essential when the finished work made its long journey to Tuscon, Arizona, where it now hangs as a spectacular centrepiece, a living testament to resilience, craftsmanship, and the magic that unfolds when artists, designers, and collectors dream boldly together. For the Ardmore studio, the experience was deeply rewarding.
The finished chandelier not only celebrates the beauty of nature and the skill of the artists who created it, but also the collective effort behind it, and the trust placed in us by those who invite Ardmore’s imagination into their homes.
