Inspired by the great Zambezi

FLOCKS of brightly coloured birds and an abundance of wildlife can be found around the Zambezi River. This diversity of fauna – and flora – inspired Ardmore Ceramic Art’s The Great Zambezi exhibition, which takes place at The Cellars – Hohenort in Constantia today and tomorrow.

Running through parts of Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – birthplace of Ardmore founder Fée Halsted – the river and its fauna and flora have been imaginatively realised in ceramics which evoke the stories of Rudyard Kipling and Rider Haggard.

The work of the studio’s artists has been sold at Christies, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s in London and to collectors in New York, Los Angeles and Paris.

For those interested in adding something special to their interior décor, Ardmore is showcasing the new Zambezi Fabric Collection which offers five designs:

Amasumpa, inspired by the nodules on Zulu traditional pots.

Monkey Bean, inspired by beautiful coral trees, which are buried on the graves of Zulu chiefs and are associated with magic.

Bush Bandits, uses leopards and black-backed jackals, a Jabu Nene flower and an imperial ribbon.

River Chase combines crocodiles and strelitzia, vines and banana palms.

Feather has been taken from the patterns on birds’ wings.

The Cellars will also host the first view of wallpaper from British- based company Cole & Son, which has collaborated with Ardmore to create the colourful range.

For more information, visit www. ardmoreceramics. co. za or contact Clint Pavkovich via e-mail at clint@ardmoreceramics.co.za

Ardmore Ceramic Art’s ‘The Great Zambezi’ exhibition will be staged at The Cellars-Hohenort today and tomorrow.