A multifaceted, multi-venue exhibition over the Easter weekend (April 22 to 25) will highlight the diverse talents of KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Craft Guild members.
The guild was formed three years ago to reinstate the Midlands Meander founding members’ vision of offering exceptional quality and authentic local craft. Members vary from ceramicists, artists and sculptors to those working with wood, leather, wool and wrought iron.
The annual Rolling Exhibition showcases guild members’ work at their own studios and workshops, allowing visitors to enjoy the meandering experience while having a focus for their travels.
All guild members are located in the hub of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands between Nottingham Road, Curry’s Post and the Dargle/Lions River.
Hillfold Pottery and Shuttleworth Weaving were part of the original Midlands Meander when it was started in 1985, and they have been joined by some of the finest craftspeople in the area.
These include Ardmore Ceramic Art at Caversham, Groundcover in Curry’s Post, Mick Haigh Ceramics near Fort Nottingham, Corrie Lynn & Co Furniture and The Woodturner in the Dargle area, and Sterlings Wrought Iron at Lions River.
All members’ work is produced on site and the studios are open to the public.
“People are welcome to watch the artists and crafters at work and, if they wish, to order specially made, customised items,” says a guild spokesman.
The following will be on exhibition:
l Ardmore Ceramic Art will feature an Easter Exhibition at their Caversham gallery and museum, including Easter-themed egg-cups and mugs with Easter eggs. Visit www.ardmoreceramics.co.za for more details.
l Groundcover will be exhibiting a wide range of shoes and bags in bright colours and new styles. Added to the popular Nguni decor range are ottomans, mats, cushions, baskets and local art work. More details at www.groundcover.co.za
l Hillfold Pottery will feature the oil-fired stoneware and porcelain of Lindsay Scott and the terracotta planters of Albert Ntombela.
l Sterlings Wrought Iron is concentrating on garden accessories for this exhibition as many people have gone back to growing their own vegetables and spending time in their gardens. There will be a range of garden accessories with something for everyone. Visit www.sterlingswroughtiron.co.za
l Corrie Lynn & Co will exhibit an interesting range of handcrafted wooden furniture in their 100-year-old red barn on a farm on which their family has lived for three generations.
Also on view will be hand-made woollen items such as felt blankets and cushions, and babies’ quilts filled with pure wool. Visit www.corrielynn.co.za for more information.
l Shuttleworth Weaving will show mohair carpets and throws, as well as host a number of guest artists (still to be confirmed). Visit www.shuttleworthweaving.com for further details.
l Michael Haigh of Michael Haigh Ceramics is working with Belgian lace as a reference, together with crystal geodes and bread. “The familiar, the beautiful and the sustaining. I aim to make a range of tableware which nurtures the individual,” he says.
l The Woodturner will exhibit unique handcrafted furniture and wooden bowls. For more information visit www.andrewearly.co.za
For further details about the exhibition, call Helen at 033 266 6818 or Tinks on [email protected] - The Mercury