African storytelling finds a vibrant expression at Ardmore Ceramic Art in KwaZulu-Natal. Founded in 1985 by Fée Halsted, the atelier embodies the ubuntu philosophy, the belief that a universal bond connects all of humanity. Bonnie Ntshalintshali joined the studio as Ardmore’s first artist and today, 70 artisans work together in a spirit of collaboration, creating and co-creating sculptural and functional ceramics, wallpaper design and a range of fashion and homeware collections. The studio partners globally with brands like Hermès to take its energetic stories to the world.

In the studio, master sculptors’ forms are paired with specialist painters, whose distinctive styles ensure that each piece bears the hallmark of the spirited brand. To create their finely crafted ceramic pieces, artists work with malleable South African earthenware and techniques influenced by Zulu basketweaving and beadwork, such as sgraffito. Each creature and motif tells a story, merging heritage and the local environment with playful creativity. Within the studio, mentors pass on their skills organically, ensuring transmission of craft from hand to hand. Ardmore remains a sanctuary of craftsmanship where the artists keep the spirit of the bush alive.