R20 000 reward offered for return of missing artwork

A man who recently relocated from Musgrave to Waterfall, Durban has issued a heartfelt plea for the return of a precious artwork which disappeared during his move.

Jethro Lefevre is also offering a R20 000 reward for any information which leads to its recovery.

The missing piece, a unique creation from the renowned Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio in Balgowan, holds deep sentimental value for the Lefevre famiy.

Mr Lefevre said the artwork was a cherished anniversary gift his late father had given to his mother in 2004.

“Sadly, my father is no more, and this artwork is significant to my family, especially my mother,” he explained.

Mr Lefevre added that the artwork, a beautifully moulded vase adorned with intricately painted butterflies, was created by the talented Victor and paid-through-draft by Hlengiwe at Ardmore Studio in 2003. It inexplicably disappeared amidst the chaos of the move, he said.

In a bid to recover the vase, Mr Lefevre posted a photograph of it on social media, announcing the R20 000 reward. The post quickly went viral, but no information has yet surfaced.

“Although the post went viral, nobody has come forward with any information. I am considering taking the post down,” said Mr Lefevre.

Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio, situated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is a celebrated artist community known for creating one-of-a-kind ceramics. Each piece is meticulously crafted on a potter's wheel and hand-painted, often requiring several months to complete. The studio’s creations are highly regarded, with some pieces having been presented to prominent figures such as the late Queen Elizabeth, who received an Ardmore ceramic from a former President of South Africa.

While the exact monetary value of the missing vase remains uncertain, Ardmore ceramics typically range from R5 000 upwards, reflecting their artistic and cultural significance. The loss of such a distinctive artwork has left the Lefevre family distraught, particularly given its irreplaceable sentimental worth.

Anyone with information about the missing Ardmore vase is urged to contact Mr Lefevre through his social media page.