Fée Halsted: pioneering artist & mentor

We are proud and privileged to showcase a beautiful collection of ceramic works of art at Xigera by Ardmore Design. Fée Halsted, Founder and Creative Director of Ardmore, mentors an exceptional group of artists to help them find their self-worth and confidence to create quirky yet elegant one-of-a-kind artworks in ceramic.

Fée explains that Ardmore was founded because 'I moved to the farm Ardmore in the central Drakensberg and began teaching rural people to work in ceramics. In 1990, Bonnie Ntshalintshali and I jointly won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award and slowly more and more artists joined our studio. Over the years we grew organically, winning awards and exhibiting across the globe.' Today, the studio houses 80 African artists and Ardmore is celebrated as an international brand. 'Our work is uniquely African,' says Fée.

Here, we speak to Fée and find out what is behind the beautiful talent that motivates, supports and encourages so many emerging artists…

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A day working with artists, creating beautiful works of art.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing a child.

Which living person do you most admire?
David Attenborough.

What historical figure do you most identify with?
Bodicea.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My three children.

What is your greatest extravagance?
A trip to the bush for at least 10 days.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Yes you can, well done, keep it up and shine.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My Great Dane Bella.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A cup of tea with my legs hanging over the arm of my easy chair, with two dachshunds lying on the other arm of the chair and Bella at my feet, watching a good movie.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Passion.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being awarded an honorary doctorate from my university.

What is your favourite journey?
A trip to the Savuti Botswana with my sister.

What is your greatest regret?
Not having a fourth child.

What is your most treasured possession?
My mother’s signate ring.

Where would you like to live?
Here at Caversham.

What is your favourite occupation?
Horse-riding.

When and where were you happiest?
In my garden or lying in bed listening to the rivers.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to sing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like a flatter stomach.

What is your motto?
Never give up!