From Sketch to Sculpture: Celebrating the Legacy of Carrol Boyes

This women’s month, we honour the legacy of remarkable South African women who have left their mark on our nation and the world. For some, their stories started small — a sketch, a stall, a dream deferred. For Carrol Boyes, it began at age 35, after 15 years as a teacher, armed with a fine arts degree, a love of sculpture, and an unshakable hunger to create something meaningful. In 1989, she did just that — launching what would become one of South Africa’s most iconic design brands, right from her home in Cape Town.

Working with metals like copper, silver, brass, and pewter, Carrol transformed everyday objects into collectible art. Tableware became tactile. Function found flair. From a stall in Greenmarket Square to shelves in Bloomingdale’s, each piece carried her signature style — quirky yet refined, sculptural yet practical.

But this was never a solo act. From the outset, her siblings played a pivotal role. Her brother Charles Boyes, now CEO, and John Boyes, shareholder and Executive Board Member, were instrumental in building the company’s Limpopo manufacturing facility on the family farm — a thriving hub that remains one of the area’s biggest employers and a vital part of the brand’s heartbeat.

Today, the Carrol Boyes brand spans 25 retail stores, a growing online presence, and over 1,000 products stocked in more than 27 countries. But its core ethos remains unchanged: to create timeless, collectable pieces that enrich the everyday and can be passed from generation to generation.

Following Carrol’s passing in 2019, the company’s future remains secure in the hands of her brothers. With decades of experience in both strategic growth and operational leadership, Charles and John Boyes now take on expanded roles to steer the brand into a new era — one that honors Carrol’s legacy while exploring fresh opportunities for international expansion and innovation.

Their commitment to social upliftment and community empowerment continues to underpin the business. As Charles explains,

“We are incredibly proud of this company, which has delivered on outstanding design for over 30 years. The fact that we are able to nurture South African artistic talent while also contributing to the betterment of both individuals and society at a grassroots level serves as a constant motivation for us.”

As the brand evolves, Carrol’s legacy is evident in every silhouette and sketch — a lasting tribute to a woman who saw the extraordinary in the everyday and sculpted a legacy that continues to inspire.

Where Craftsmanship Becomes Conversation Born from Carrol’s fascination with the human figure, the Fruit Bowl Plain ‘conversation’ is a statement in both form and function. The stainless-steel structure offers durability, while pewter sculptural details add character. A place for fruit, and a centrepiece for life’s in-between moments.

For more visit Carrol Boyes.