The School of Nel Ceramics

It’s been a few years since we last exhibited work by the group of artists from Calitzdorp who are informally referred to as The School of Nel. Since we last showed their work, their mentor Hylton Nel has packed up his world-famous home and studio, and moved – and so it’s been a challenge for his protégés to create, glaze and fire any new work. A few weeks ago, I received a knock on my door that was followed by a giant, tatty cardboard box filled with colourful, ceramic creatures made by Imeldo ‘Melvin’ Wagenaar. And then a week after that, I received another box of bubble-wrapped ceramics delivered by Hannes ‘Basie’ Gerhardus himself! The two artists have found a way to create work, and it’s their work that we can offer you in this catalogue.

 

Since we have received these new pieces, Hylton has made international headlines by his current collaboration with the high fashion brand Dior. With a catwalk filled with oversized…. cats – Nel has proven to the world that even potters in a small Klein Karoo town can make it to the bright lights of Paris and the world. My hope is that these pieces travel far and wide and continue to bring joy to those who collect their work.