RENOWNED ceramic artist, Andrew Walford (79) and wife Leanda (77) have lost their home and possessions to fire on Monday, July 11.

The couple lived in the Shongweni Valley house for 52 years.

The fire started at approximately 21:30 and they had minutes to exit from their bedroom window. The house was ablaze within seconds, and they had no opportunity to take anything with them as they left, the couple said.

Neighbours assisted the couple to push their cars out of the path of the fire. Some damage was sustained but there is a possibility that they are repairable, says Walford.

Leanda says that four fire trucks attended the fire and that they fought the blaze for most of the night. The scattered burnt thatch was still smouldering on Thursday, July 15, when the Highway Mail visited the property. The Walfords say the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

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The couple are presently staying in a small extension of the gallery but have lost their home of 52 years, all their clothing, possessions, and household items.

The potter and his wife host three open days annually where the public are invited to visit the property, converse with Walford and purchase items from his gallery.

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Walford is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist who works in the Japanese style and has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. The artist digs his own clay and mixes it with spring water from a nearby source. He makes his glazes from wood ash and burnt local grasses. Finally, Walford uses imported Japanese brushes to make his characteristic markings on his pots before firing them in one of three kilns in his studio.

The Walfords are additionally involved with a group of weavers from the Shongweni Valley, assisting them with sales and marketing.

The Gillitts Fire Station was unavailable for comment.

How can you help?

Upper Highway residents can donate kitchen items, linen, and clothing at drop-off points in Hillcrest.

For information on the location of drop-off points contact: andrew@andrewwalford.co.za

Relatives have set up a Go Fund Me page should you wish to make a donation.

https://gogetfunding.com/help-rebuild-andrew-and-leanda-walfords-home/

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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