Renowned ceramicist Mervyn Gers, whose handcrafted dinnerware graces leading restaurants, luxury lodges, boutique hotels and private homes around the world, is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Alongside the launch of the first online store for Mervyn Gers Ceramics, making his sought-after creations directly accessible to South African customers, Gers is also opening the doors to Mervyn Gers House – a beautifully renovated Art Deco apartment in the heart of Cape Town, now available for private events.
Reflecting Gers’ creative journey, the art-filled two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment blends Victorian, Art Deco and Mid-Century influences with playful contemporary touches. Throughout the 225m² space, guests are surrounded by some of the studio’s most striking ceramic creations. Offering New York-style full-floor living, the apartment features 3.5-metre-high ceilings, a private lift entrance, a spacious entertainment area with a ten-seater dining table, a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, two en-suite bedrooms, a guest cloakroom and a scullery.
Centrally located, Mervyn Gers House is just minutes from the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point Promenade and Camps Bay Beach, with many of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, galleries and boutiques on its doorstep.
Bringing handmade ceramics directly to South Africans
After years of supplying luxury hospitality venues and international retailers, Gers says the decision to launch an online store was driven by growing local demand.
“The launch of our online store marks an exciting new chapter for us,” he explains. “After many years of focusing on hospitality, retail and international markets, we felt the time was right to make our handcrafted ceramics more accessible to South African customers.”
According to Gers, the new platform offers more than convenience. It creates an opportunity for customers to connect directly with the brand, discover the craftsmanship behind each piece and gain a deeper appreciation for the distinctive colours, timeless forms and stories that define the collection.
From the Kalahari to a global brand
Looking back, Gers credits his upbringing in Danielskuil, a small town on the edge of the Kalahari in the Northern Cape, with shaping both his entrepreneurial spirit and creative outlook.
“My family ran a general dealer and hotel, so I was exposed to business, hospitality and hard work from a very young age,” he says.
After studying communication, Gers built a career in public relations, radio and marketing, gaining valuable insights into storytelling, brand-building and visual identity. What began as a personal creative outlet eventually evolved into a thriving ceramics business.
“Starting the company in Paarden Eiland in 2011 with just eight people was a defining moment,” he recalls. “It’s been a long journey of experimentation, mistakes, refinement and constant development.”
The value of keeping craftsmanship in-house
One of the defining characteristics of Mervyn Gers Ceramics is its commitment to producing every element in-house, from clay preparation to glaze development and final production.
“Keeping production entirely in-house is central to who we are as a brand,” says Gers. “It allows us to maintain complete control over quality, consistency and creativity.”
The studio develops its own clay bodies and glazes, enabling continuous innovation while preserving a distinct aesthetic identity. This approach also ensures that every piece reflects the expertise and craftsmanship of the people who make it.
“We’re proud to be the only studio globally where the entire process is done in-house, protecting the integrity and individuality of every piece.”
Handmade in every sense
Each ceramic piece passes through 22 pairs of hands before reaching its final form, a process that highlights the skill and care behind every creation.
“It demonstrates just how much time, expertise and attention go into every piece,” says Gers. “In a world dominated by mass production, we offer something intentionally imperfect and unique.”
This human touch, he believes, is what gives handmade ceramics their enduring appeal. No two pieces are exactly alike, and it is this individuality that gives them their character and lasting value.
Balancing innovation and identity
With more than 55 glaze colours and over 200 ceramic forms in the collection, innovation remains a key part of the brand’s philosophy.
However, Gers believes creativity must always be guided by a clear design language.
“All of our glazes are developed in-house, allowing us to continuously refine and expand our palette while staying true to the brand’s essence,” he says.
While the range is extensive, the core principles remain unchanged: handmade production, strong forms, layered surfaces, functionality and understated individuality.
“We don’t want the work to feel over-designed. The pieces must be beautiful, but also usable.”
A South African brand with global appeal
Today, Mervyn Gers Ceramics can be found in luxury hotels, restaurants and retailers around the world. Through this growth, Gers has learned that authenticity and craftsmanship resonate across cultures and markets.
“Being proudly made in Cape Town is part of our identity,” he says. “Using locally sourced materials and skilled craftspeople has become one of our greatest strengths.”
International clients, he adds, value the story behind the product as much as the product itself.
“Our global partnerships have shown us that when quality and storytelling come together, geography is no barrier.”
A deeper appreciation for handmade design
As the collection becomes available directly to South African consumers, Gers hopes customers will gain a greater appreciation for the artistry, skill and dedication behind each piece.
“We hope South Africans will see these not only as functional objects, but as objects with meaning, skill and time behind them,” he says.
Each ceramic item represents years of refinement, local materials and the expertise of many skilled hands. Beyond their beauty and practicality, Gers hopes they will be valued for the care, craftsmanship and stories they embody.
“Ultimately, we hope people will bring them into their homes not just for their beauty, but for the meaning and care they represent.”
Visit https://mervyngers.com
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