Cape Byron Studio, Australia, late 20th century glass

Cape Byron Studio was an Australian glass studio founded in 1982 by Colin Heaney. It was located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, and was one of the first glass studios in the region. Heaney was a self-taught glass artist who had learned the craft in England. He was inspired by the natural beauty of Byron Bay and the surrounding area, and his work often reflected these themes.

In the early years, Cape Byron Studio was a small operation, with Heaney working alone. However, as the studio's reputation grew, Heaney began to take on apprentices and assistants. He also began to collaborate with other glass artists, including Colin Terris, Colin Reid, and Tim Wilson. Cape Byron Studio soon became known for its high-quality art glass. Heaney and his team produced a wide range of pieces, including vases, bowls, sculptures, and paperweights. Their work was characterised by its more... bold colours, intricate designs, and innovative techniques.

Cape Byron Studio was also a pioneer in the field of glass education. Heaney offered a variety of classes and workshops, and the studio became a popular destination for glass artists from all over the world. The studio received a number of awards including the Gold Medal for Glass at the Crafts Council of Australia Awards in 1985, the Australian Glass Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2000 and was featured in the exhibition "Australian Art Glass" at the National Gallery of Australia in 1990.

In 2008, Heaney sold Cape Byron Studio to a new owner. However, the studio continued to operate under the same name and produce high-quality art glass. In 2016, the studio was closed permanently.

Cape Byron Studio played an important role in the development of Australian art glass. It was one of the first studios to produce contemporary glass art in Australia, and its work helped to raise the profile of Australian glass artists around the world. The studio also played an important role in educating and inspiring the next generation of Australian glass artists. less...