‘Ard’-istic Licence

PHOTOS: David Ross | WORDS: Alma Viviers

Stealing the limelight at Hyde Park’s recent Food Wine Design fair in Joburg, was Ardmore. This time, though, it was not for their acclaimed ceramics, but instead a striking upholstered sofa that forms part of the new Ardmore Design Collection.

The brightly coloured ceramics of Ardmore – ranging from functional homeware to delicately crafted, once-off sculptural pieces – are arguably one of South Africa’s greatest design success stories. Instantly recognisable, the hand-painted ceramics sporting vibrant African iconography have become sought-after collectors items since the 1985 launch of the cooperative.

Now, more than 25 years later, the children of founder Fée Halsted-Berning continue the design tradition established by their mother and are leading the internationally acclaimed Ardmore Ceramic Art into an exciting new future.

“Collectors of Ardmore Ceramic Art had always suggested that we move into textiles and fabrics, as those seem to be such a natural product extension for our ceramics,” says Jonathan Berning, who heads up marketing and business development at Ardmore. “The idea has always been at the back of our minds and very much a part of our vision, but a lack of resources has hampered us from extending into other mediums.”

A generous grant from the Business Trust and the Shared Growth Challenge Fund has now removed this hurdle and turned the vision into reality.

The Ardmore Design Collection was launched with two limited edition tableware sets: the Zinhle (“it is beautiful”) range, named after the artist who designed it, with images of three typically Ardmore animals – the leopard, the giraffe and the zebra – and the Ebony range, an arrestingly different black and white range inspired by printmaking techniques.

Ardmore Design has also unveiled gorgeous tapestries, furniture, table linen, upholstery, fabrics for soft furnishings and classic fashion items such as silk scarves.

The designs for the pieces are translations of the classic Ardmore imagery, making use of the same colour and wit as the ceramic pieces, but also incorporating brand-new designs. Many of Ardmore’s existing artists are involved in creating designs for the new range. “My mother and sister, Catherine Berning, have worked very hard with the artists and designers to come up with the designs for our new products,” says Jonathan. “I can see us widening into other mediums as time goes on, but for now we want to focus on just a few new mediums. We have a vision of being one of the first truly African luxury brands.”

For more information on the Ardmore Design Collection go to www.ardmore.co.za/design.php or contact info@ardmoreceramics.co.za.