The idea was to manufacture cutlery pieces
representative of the African creativity yet contemporary and sleekly
sophisticated for both the national and international markets. This
appealed to Carrol Boyes and after many months of negotiation the first
prototypes were developed. We see it as an opportunity to participate
in a joint venture with other talented compatriots to showcase our
unique South African designs. My range with Conran Africa is a fusion of
an inspired African spirit with sophisticated quality, says Carrol
Boyes.
It's a simple and elegant design. It's well
balanced, tactile, quietly exuding an essence of Africa chunky yet
light, and with the three bars symbolic of the sun, earth, water
which gives life to all, explained Carrol of her new range with
Woolworths.
I applaud the Woolworths team for the
courage of their convictions to believe in, seek out, promote and
nurture the talent within our own shores and to invest in local
manufacturers and business. This step sets them apart from other
homeware stores, said Carrol.
This collaboration will bring the Carrol
Boyes name into the everyday affordable range of fresh contemporary
designs suitable for young discerning collectors. Sebastian Conran has
been most approachable and I have enjoyed the challenge of setting up my
manufacturing plant to handle the output. I feel privileged to have met
Sebastian Conran and am excited at the prospect of working with such a
respected international creative talent, said Carrol who described him
as a pleasure to deal with. He is highly intelligent, extraordinarily
creative, flexible and open to suggestions.
The Woolworths team has equally been an
absolute pleasure to work with, she added. Additional staff members
have been brought in and trained to manufacture these cutlery pieces to
absolute perfection. The workers are from the local community
surrounding our Limpopo Province manufacturing plant, and working for
the Carrol Boyes Company offers them the chance of learning a skill and
providing for their families.
