Arthur was first captivated by the Ardmore story in 2009 and acquired his first pieces, including a bushbaby tureen, which featured on the cover of the studio’s souvenir book. He also purchased a large leopard urn, which was the star of the Cats of the World exhibition held in South Africa in 2007. At that time, Ardmore was making its mark with collectors at Christie’s in London, which held prestigious auctions of the studio’s work in 2003 and 2007. Fée was acknowledged internationally as a “creator of artists” and was cultivating a celebrity collector following, including Oprah Winfrey, Eric Clapton and Dame Helen Mirren.

Ardmore was also making a big impression in the American design world with two exceptional works selected for the 2010 Global Africa Project exhibition held at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. That year, Fée was honoured in New York by Women’s Campaign International for her role in empowering women and improving their lives. WCI recognizes individuals who have made a difference to women’s lives around the world, and past honourees include former President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, an Ardmore work of art was presented as a diplomatic gift at the White House.

Arthur’s collection grew dramatically over the next ten years, thanks to Ed Pascoe, the specialist dealer who invited Fée to visit Florida for his collectibles shows. On one of her American visits, Fée opened the new Ardmore gallery at WMODA in Dania Beach, featuring 170 pieces, the largest collection on public display in the world. Fée also introduced us to her dear friend and long-standing Ardmore collector, Brian Greis. Some of Brian’s most exceptional pieces are now on show in the museum’s new Safari for the Soul gallery in Hollywood, and he encouraged Arthur to join him on his trip to Ardmore to celebrate the studio’s 40th Anniversary. It was a memorable experience for all concerned.  See the artists welcoming Arthur in the video below.

Read more about Ardmore’s 40th Anniversary

Ardmore Takes Flight | Wiener Museum