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Mud Studio : Pieces from Mud's new Peasant Range. -
Mud Studio : Philippa and Werner with their daughters Catherine (foreground) and Ella-Rose (background).
PHOTOS: David Ross | PRODUCTION: Annemarie Meintjes | WORDS: Ailsa Uys
Three years ago, Mud was producing ceramics for selected local shops. Now, the stock is piled up to the roof, the studio is three times its original size, and orders from global design shops are streaming in.
What was the turning point? “We were contacted by Trevyn McDowell of Source in the UK in 2004 and it grew from there,” remembers Philippa du Toit, who owns the studio with her husband, Werner. Their commitment to producing handmade ceramics, despite the obvious pressure to mass produce, is paying off. According to Trevyn, overseas customers look for products with a conscience. “Americans in particular like to know that they are helping to create jobs and are keen to know the story of each maker,” she explains. Job creation is certainly the case at Mud, where the Du Toits, aware of the high unemployment figures in their area, train local residents for each available position.
Philippa’s bead project in nearby Clocolan is just such a project. Five years ago, 20 women started making beads and now produce thousands each month for interiors shops and lodges such as Singita. Mud also uses the beads for iconic African chandeliers that have made their way to Ralph Lauren’s shop in New York, as well as the Milan Furniture Fair. The New York Times press clipping hangs modestly in the studio’s rejects shop. Other Mud creations, described by Trevyn as “beautiful but with a sense of humour that speaks to people on all levels”, can be found from Anthropologie in Los Angeles to The Conran Shop in London.
Locally, Mud is trying to keep up. The studio is aware that this market is growing and will sustain the business if the fickle overseas market turns to another trend. The new Peasant Range (pictured right) was launched recently and, according to Trevyn, “It is definitely the forerunner to that elusive one-off item that everyone is looking for.”
What’s next for Mud? Philippa laughs, “Terence Conran has asked us to take part in a special project – a book called Inspirations. So, who knows – things change every day!”
• Mud Studio, 083 658 9714 (Werner), 083 658 9736 (Philippa)
