Hermes La Marche du Zambeze MINT! In immaculate Original Box and Tissue with Sales Tag

This brilliant Hermes scarf, in indigo and rose, designed in 2021 by the world renowned African ‘Ardmore Artists’, is in ‘as new’ condition, and is so bright that it’s almost luminous – jumping out at you in the dark! This is possibly our favourite Hermes design of all (out of all 2,000+), and it’s the one that we’ve chosen to use in all our marketing materials.

A truly wonderful gift for every lover of Africa and its wildlife, this scarf is in perfect condition, in its original immaculate box and tissue, with care label and sales tag intact.

Ardmore is a thriving artist community, mostly creating unique ceramics, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. The studio was founded by Fée Halsted in 1985 when she moved to a remote farm in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and began teaching local people how to model and paint pottery. Originally Fée worked with Bonnie Ntshalintshali, the daughter of the farm’s housekeeper. They quickly developed a creative synergy and their collaboration drew national attention when they won the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist award in 1990. Soon Bonnie’s family and friends were drawn to Ardmore to learn from Fée, and earn a living creating ceramic art. Wonderboy Nxumalo was another of Ardmore’s exceptional artists in the early years. His unique style, combining drawings with his writing, was often inspired by the joys of love and the sorrows of HIV-AIDS to which he and Bonnie tragically succumbed.

There are now more than 60 Zulu and Zimbabwean artists working in collaboration at Ardmore under Fee’s guidance. Two or three artists are involved in each piece, which is individually thrown on the potter’s wheel, modeled and hand-painted. Each piece is unique and masterpieces can take several months to complete. Energetic movement, intricate detailing and vibrant colour defines the Ardmore aesthetic. Safari animals burst with life from luxuriant foliage to form quirky vases, candlesticks, tureens and teapots. There are also exciting forms of sculptural art based on Zulu folklore and tribal traditions. The sale of these wonderful works uplifts and supports the Ardmore community and their families as the artists are paid per piece and have a guaranteed market for their endeavours.

Since 2010, the fantasy world of Ardmore has been translated into a range of fabric designs, which have been made into tablecloths, napkins and runners. Stylish ladies’ handbags featuring the flora and fauna of Africa have been followed by sophisticated silk scarves by Hermès.

Ardmore ceramic art is often given as state gifts to visiting leaders and luminaries to South Africa. Queen Elizabeth II was presented with an Ardmore bowl by the President of South Africa and there is an Ardmore masterpiece in the White House. Collectors have been seduced by the wit and whimsy of Ardmore designs and they particularly value the fact that each piece is unique. Christie’s auction house has acknowledged Ardmore artworks as “modern day collectibles”. Exhibitions of Ardmore are held in art galleries around the world and represented in public collections, such as the Museum of Art & Design in New York, and the Museum of Cultures in Basel. The largest American collection can be seen at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts in South Florida.

Hermes writes:

A majestic elephant emerges from the centre of this scarf, symbolising family and strength. Giraffes, crocodiles, a zebra and a leopard from the savannahs and swamps along the Zambezi River are gathered around it. Native flora combined with patterns evoking pythons and crocodiles border the composition. La Marche du Zambèze marks the beginning of a partnership between Hermès and Ardmore, a collective of Zulu, Zimbabwean and Sotho ceramic artists. Established in 1985 by Fée Halsted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, it now comprises seventy artists whose signature style provides a fresh take on traditional art.