Watch our Ardmore lockdown story - it's goosebumps material!
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The World Came Together As The People Stayed Apart
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Ardmore Exhibition
3rd of September - 3rd of October
THE YEAR 2020:
THE WORLD CAME TOGETHER AS THE PEOPLE STAYED APART
Everyday life has undergone dramatic changes over the past few months. That holds a true for people around the globe. There is no denying that the Covid 19 virus has brought immeasurable misery, in many forms. Ironically, it has also triggered and unprecedented outburst of creativity, out of adversity, ingenuity and resourcefulness have flourished.
Ardmore artists were subject to the weeks-long lockdown like everyone else in South Africa. Human imagination cannot easily be stifled, however, staying at home afforded these artists the time and opportunity to reflect upon and interpret the narrative of this perplexing turnabout in history. They have mobilised their hope and fears to fire up the creative process.
This incredible new Collection enables us to “ hear” their lockdown stories, as interpreted through the modelling of clay. We are delighted to present these extraordinary pieces, created while the Ardmore Studio was closed. They were incubated in less-than-ideal working conditions, in the nearby village of Lidgetton.
The Ardmore artists have brought to life amazing artworks and striking new ceramic designs. Without a doubt, these will enhance any personal or Museum Collection. Some pieces explore the themes of equilibrium and mutual co-operation in nature through interlinking animal forms. Others engender hope. Still others are infused with a sense of playfulness. The surreal shared experience of the Corona virus pandemic.
Arks filled with bats, pangolins and other African animals double as eloquent statements on the unquestionable necessity of protecting the environment. Safe houses and Zulu huts reference the human need for sanctuary. The large pangolin sculptures have become powerful symbols of the pandemic and our response to it. Curled up in their instinctive form of lockdown, they face the uncertainty of whether to emerge in public or to withdraw. This fresh Collection interweaves aesthetics and urgency, beauty with gravity.
“ The Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown that followed came upon us suddenly and dramatically changing all our lives.I have been astounded yet again by the incredible creations of the Ardmore artists, emerging from humble working conditions in the Lidgetton Village close to our studio. The artists were inevitably impacted and influenced by what was happening around us. The luxury of time gave us the opportunity to return to story telling. We now question the way humans help create the conditions that lead us into the pandemic, and the artists have explored new ways to find balance in nature” Fee Halsted
Sabie Sofa 2020
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Ardmore designers have given us two signature limited edition sofas with the launch of our Sabie fabric collection 2020, that come 30 in Tanzanite and 30 in Delta, both in a rich and sensual velvet.
The high backs allow allow for two to sit amongst dancing elephants juggling a vervet monkey, flanked by travelers riding a giraffe and ostrich.
Our feet and behinds cool off in the Sabie river waters where hippos and crocs play amongst water lilies and a python coils in the right hand corner under one’s arm.
In the shadows of the plants, at the back of the sofa, emerges the illusive King cheetah with his rare spots and stripes.
The sofa's border base and arms are framed with Zulu beaded striped - liked pattern, so often seen in the bases of Ardmore Ceramic works.
These sofas transport us into a magical animal and botanical fantasy and should be appreciated as Art works.
Save the Date
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We request the pleasure of your company to the launch of our latest Sabie Fabric and Ceramic Collection.
Join Fee Halsted and the Ardmore Artists for a slide show presentation from 11:00 - 12:00 on Thursday 13th February at the Cellars - Hohenort in Cape Town.
The exhibition will run from 13-16 February 2020 9:00am - 6:00pm.
Run Away with Us
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Adorn your table with our marvelous Zambezi Table Runners. We have an array of beautiful new designs, colours and sizes, perfect for any table setting, season or gift.Click here to view our full range.