Media Release
27 September 2007

New Zealand Artists Selected to Exhibit in Bombay Sapphire Blue Room Exhibition

Bombay Sapphire today announced that ten New Zealand glass artists have been selected to show at the New Zealand's Bombay Sapphire Blue Room exhibition.

Artists Stephen Bradbourne, Lee Brogan, Christine Cathie, Evelyn Dunstan, Sue Hawker, Robin Irwin, Te Rongo Kirkwood, Trudie Kroef, Lou Pendergrast-Mathieson, and Jenny Smith will showcase their work alongside pieces from global finalists in the Bombay Sapphire Prize, the world's biggest annual international award for contemporary glass design.

The selection was made by a judging panel comprising Louis Le Vaillant, Curator - Applied Arts at Auckland War Memorial Museum, Jeremy Hanson, Editor of NZ Home magazine, and Natarsha Urquhart, Bombay Sapphire Brand Manager.

Bombay Sapphire Brand Manager, Natarsha Urquhart says that the judges were impressed with the enthusiastic response from New Zealand glass artists. "We are delighted that New Zealand artists are keen to participate in the New Zealand Blue Room exhibition. The exhibition not only aims to encourage local artists to enter the Bombay Sapphire Prize but also provides an opportunity for New Zealand artists to exhibit alongside their international peers," says Ms Urquhart.

The Bombay Sapphire Blue Room will open to the public in Auckland on the 26th and 27th of October at Aveia Gallery and then travel to Wellington where it will be displayed at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts from Friday 2nd November to Sunday 4th November.

Bombay Sapphire has a strong history in supporting design and particularly glass design. Now in its sixth year, the Bombay Sapphire Prize recognizes excellence and innovation in the use of glass and awards £20,000 prize money to the winner and £5,000 to the 'Best Newcomer'.

Exhibiting Bombay Sapphire Prize global finalists include:

- Anne Brodie, United Kingdom - Poppy Seed

- Chiho Hitomi, Japan - Rings

- Gerry King, Australia - King Toledo Blade

- Jess Loughlin, Australia - Space Between

- Ann Robinson, New Zealand - Te Rito Pod

- Samantha Sweet - United Kingdom, Mirror

- Paulo Ulian, Italy - Fluxus Lamp

In addition to the artworks from global finalists and New Zealand glass artists, the Bombay Sapphire Blue Room will also exhibit a selection of Bombay Sapphire inspired designer martini glasses from around the world.

ENDS