MIDLANDS MEANDER ASSOCIATION
Information Services in Howick

We invite you to explore, indulge and dream amongst the gentle hills and warm-hearted people who call the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands home. Since 1985, the Meander has grown to more than 150 members and offers a greater variety, but still has the same quality of offerings. It is famous for its Midlands hospitality, with great food, crackling fires and pampering spas. In line with international tourism trends, the Midlands Meander has seen the increase in demand for experiential tourism. While the Meander is the ideal quick break on that drive to Durban, we welcome the tourist who has chosen the slower, the experiential way, who wants to go down the Dargle Road or the Curry’s Post Road, or the Giant’s Castle Road to go to the studios or workshops of some of the finest craftspeople in the world, to meet with them, to talk to the artist or the leatherworker who has made a unique and original item that is priceless and can never be duplicated. In the Midlands, life is lived at a gentler pace, we take time to chat to strangers in the trading store and we grow our own vegetables. On your visit, explore the forests and farmlands and the small villages inhabited by interesting characters. Gather inspiration and original art from world-class artists, crafters, enjoy gracious hospitality, savour new flavours and celebrate memorable moments. On a summer's evening at Caversham Mill in 1985, four potters, a weaver and a couple of artists got together to discuss how to work together. They decided to invite the public to visit and meet the artists in their countryside studios. The concept of a Rolling Exhibition, held a couple of times a year, was born. While visitors were welcome to visit studios at other times, they would often find that the artist had gone fishing or was out collecting clay. In 1990 the brown paper map, which so many of us recall with nostalgia, was produced. Featured on this map was potter Ian Glenny, who you will still find amongst the terracotta pots at his quirky gallery under the trees at Dargle Valley Pottery. Rob, the son of original members, Helen and Andy Shuttleworth, still lives on top of the hill with his wife Julia. They have taken over the family business of spinning, dying and weaving mohair into a glorious range of throws, carpets and scarves. They have opted for an authentic life rather than heading for the bright lights. You'll still find Lindsay Scott of Hillfold tucked away at the end of the lane in Lidgetton. His unique, award winning oil-fired stoneware and porcelain form part of many international collections. While many of the original members are still part of the Midlands Meander family, it has grown over the years into a thriving route of more than 150 members, which now offer more than exceptional art and craft. We are famous for our warm and welcoming Midlands hospitality. Nearly three decades in the making, the Midlands Meander keeps pace with the latest technological advances while keeping its original vision of being a collective of creative and hospitable people, making a living at a gentler pace.