MAIN: Ardmore has a deep affinity for wildlife generally and has always taken a great interest in the pangolin, especially considering that these incredibly special mammals are unfortunately under threat because they are highly prized for their meat and scales. The pangolin also became an Ardmore symbol of protection and safe spaces—because the pangolin’s defense mechanism is curling into a ball when under threat, thus “distancing” itself from harm’s way— during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pieces that include pangolins are especially time-consuming to make, because of the intricate individual scales, which are built and skilfully attached one by one. This exquisitely detailed vase was sculpted by Thabiso Mohlakoana and painted by Jabu Nene LEFT: Painter Sthabiso Hadebe decorates a sculptural tower of rhino horns.
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A display cabinet filled with a selection of Ardmore’s ceramic artworks in the Caversham Gallery. The wallpaper used on the wall behind this display case is Savuti, in the colorway Bright Multi on Dark Viridian, and is manufactured by Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com/ products/savuti/); it is available to order in South Africa from St Leger & Viney (stleger.co.za)
“We often do a combination of matte and glossy glazes on the artworks,”
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- HALSTED BERNING
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