Starways Arts Centre was founded in 1991 by newly weds Gwyneth Lloyd and Anton van der Merwe. At the time the property was covered in brambles and pine trees, with no running water, electricity or dwellings. After moving their belongings and an entire wood-framed house from Johannesburg, the couple set up camp – literally – and began to build their dream.

As the Pottery, Cottages, Rose Theatre and other structures began appearing, the backbone of Starways began to emerge. After studying and living for some time overseas, Gwyneth and Anton’s children – Vale van der Merwe, Pearce van der Merwe and Eliot Lloyd Short – also began to emerge. Each of them has since influenced the development of Starways in their own way and the sense of community continues to grow day by day.

Starways has hosted many concerts, and enjoys a continual stream of visitors and is often used for workshops and creative retreats. If you would like to visit, please contact us, or just jump in the car and pop in!

Pottery workshops

Starways Pottery has started regular workshops every Saturday morning from 09h00 to 11h00. Every two months there is a full weekend workshop, the next one being 15/16 February. Aprons, clay, glazes and equipment are provided.

Beginners are welcome as well as visitors passing through Hogsback. Pots created in a two hour workshop are glazed and fired by the Starways potters and couriered on request to participants’ nearest Postnet. Those participants who are able to return to workshops can take see their pots through the whole making and glazing process. For more information see the events calendar or their website: https://www.starwaysarts.com/