Torbay Glass Studio and Gallery

Torbay Glass Studio is owned and operated by Mark Hewson and Paris Johansen.

History

In 1984 while building our little brick veneer cottage we decided that a stained glass window was required, and that we would make it ourselves. The design and construction of the window was a challenge, but we achieved our goal many weeks after starting. Mark built on this newly developed skill by making small pendant light catchers of Australian native birds and sold them at markets and in craft shops. As permanent work for Mark was hard to find, in response to more requests for glass works and with Paris's support and encouragement, it was decided to pursue the art form as a business.

Commissions to make a number of larger scale artworks and windows materialized and the hobby became an occupation. By 1988 more space was required so a specially built room was added to the house, and the following year the business name Torbay Glass Studio was registered. Work steadily trickled in but was insufficient to provide a regular income, so Paris worked to get the extra finance required, enabling Mark to continue development of the business. As an artist in her own right Paris has undertaken fine arts studies at Edith Cowan University Albany campus. Now she has adapted her flair for design and endless imagination to incorporate the medium of glass, maintaining her interest in the business.

Over time Torbay Glass evolved with diversification into new glass techniques, requiring new equipment and more space. In 1997 it became clear that we needed a separate, purpose built area to carry out the work and to display to the public, so the construction of a studio and gallery dedicated to the production and display of our craft was undertaken. The studio was ready to use in 1999 and the gallery was opened in 2004, but we are still making improvements as time permits.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome to visit the studio to consult about commissions or to experience the working of glass, or to browse in the gallery. The opening times are from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Thursday to Sunday, public holidays and seven days a week during school holidays. We will have the "open" sign out if are working other days. If you wish to visit outside our regular hours it would be prudent to call first to ensure we are there.

Please call us at: +61 08 9845 1130

Our postal address is: 10 Tania Road, Torbay Hill, Albany, Western Australia 6330

You can email us at mail@torbayglass.com

Mark's Curriculum Vitae is available on-line. You can also download a PDF version suitable for printing.