Like a character out of a novel by H. Rider Haggard, capturing the magic and mystique of his native Africa, Patrick Mavros’ powerful spirit is present in every piece he designs. A self-taught sculptor and jewellery designer, raconteur, bon viveur and larger than life personality, Mavros is considered by many to be one of the most important and influential silversmiths of our time.
As unique as his work, Mavros’ story began over 30 years ago. Back when Zimbabwe was still Rhodesia and he was a member of the Selous Scouts fighting in the Rhodesian army, Mavros kept himself entertained whilst injured by carving a pair of earrings for his beloved wife Catja. So admired was the gift that Mavros began taking orders and thus the business grew – literally from a single pair of earrings. Switching from ivory to the more sustainable medium of silver, and in order to meet ever-increasing demand, Mavros adopted the age-old method of lost-wax casting to produce individual sculptures evoking the natural beauty of his surroundings.
Born into one of the oldest European families in Zimbabwe and bought up in the wilds of provincial Matabeleland, Mavros is not only a well respected artist but also, unsurprisingly, a seriously experienced bushman. The family homestead, where Mavros and Catja moved shortly after marrying, sits atop the hills outside Harare with spectacular and far reaching views. One has to wonder, with the current political situation, has the family have ever thought about leaving? The answer – a firm no. Today the family farm is more than just a home, a workshop, an impressive gallery space and a wildlife sanctuary – it is a whole village with skilled craftsmen training and employing local Zimbabweans. It’s a great story of community success and an example of how it’s possible for different cultures to support each other and stand side by side.
Mavros’ illustrious creations effortlessly capture the individual characteristics of each and every animal and it’s not hard to see why they’re so popular. Believing that everyone should be able to afford a piece of the Mavros aesthetic no matter how small, the collection ranges from exquisitely carved tiny silver teaspoons to enormous bespoke centre pieces – all created with the same dedication and upmost attention to detail. His extraordinary techniques and supreme quality have resulted in some of the most impressive and intricate creations of any silver designer.
From Zozo the elephant, a young orphaned baby elephant rescued by the family, to the Dodos – Mavros’ personal monument to wildlife conservation – there’s an individual story behind every unique piece. And it’s not just the sculptures that are full of life and full of his boundless energy. A popular jewellery line, stylish homeware pieces and a selection of crocodile belts with carved silver buckles complete the collection and offer up the chance to buy a little slice of that enviable Mavros family lifestyle.
It would seem that romance and a wildness of spirit are in the Mavros blood. Running around the studio barefoot as children, Mavros’ four sons, Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Junior and Benjamin have all been involved in the brand since birth and today the company is run as a family firm with every member equally involved. Away from the constraints of an urban upbringing and with the freedom that comes from growing up in the vast open spaces of Africa, it’s clear that all his sons have been affected by the continent and its mystical spirit. “We were always encouraged to do what we were passionate about, but I think genetically we were conditioned to go into the business” says second son and jewellery designer Forbes. “It’s exciting working with your favourite people in the world. I’m lucky enough to work with my best friends. Sharing things in our family has always been so important.
When we work together, we generate creative momentum.” But it’s not all fun and games. It’s hard work running a company that has various outlets worldwide, a flagship store on one of London’s prime retail streets and a sizeable concession in Harrods. According to the charming and charismatic Alexander, who runs the magnificent London store and international side of the business, “Things take a bit more time in a family business. It’s more difficult to steer the ship in a unanimous direction. Each one of us has a very strong character so we have to make sure we check in with each other wherever we are around the world.”
Effortlessly morphing into the Mavros home and modelled on the interior of the family farm, the London store is a piece of Africa on the Fulham Road. Rich with heritage, the floor is of course Zimbabwean teak and the walls are covered in family photos – memories of the annual safari trips and a portrait of the family’s much loved dachshund Ant hang side by side. The brand is about a lifestyle, it’s about creating an environment that represents the Mavros spirit and inimitable way of life. With a cult following and endorsement from the likes of the Sultan of Oman and the King of Spain – who commissioned Mavros to customise his personal Maybach – it’s clear to see how the brand is Africa’s answer to luxury.
“You look at the Americas, you look at Europe, you look at the rest of the world and they all have a brand that represents the pinnacle of the luxury industry, whether it’s Tiffany or Hermes or Boucheron or Bulgari,” says Alexander. “And then you think of Africa, the one continent with so much mystique and intrigue and romance, and it has nothing to offer the world of luxury. It’s our mission to create the definitive African luxury brand and what a fabulously exciting opportunity that is.”