Edmond Byrne

Edmond Byrne is an Irish glass blower producing artworks and vessels from mould blown glass. Taking influence from the work of renowned glass artist Geoffrey Baxter, Edmond has re-interpreted Geoffrey’s undulating, vibrant forms through his own innovative approach, blowing glass into hand-made moulds covered with a clay patina. Edmond Byrne’s work has received numerous awards including the Dan Klein Memorial Award in 2011 as well as being exhibited amongst several international collections.

Maker's Story

Edmond Byrne is a glass artist and educator with an experimental approach to process and making that explores tactility, colour psychology, sustainability, and digital craft. He has an MA for the Royal College of Art, Ceramics and Glass and a B.Des in Craft Design from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and holds a Senior Lecturer position at De Montfort University's multidisciplinary Design Crafts course. His work is exhibited internationally and is included in the V&A Museum, Ulster Museum and The National Collection, Ireland. He has received prestigious awards including the RDS Irish Craft Award, the Dan Klein Memorial Award, and the Pilchuck Partner Scholarship.

THE PROCESS

Edmond Byrne creates each mould using materials like clay, fabric and plaster that introduce unpredictable, unique elements to each piece. Once blown, a crackled, clay patina is left behind on the glass’ surface evoking ancient glass artefacts.

Maker's Quote

I do a lot of drawing. My visual inspiration comes through interpreting the marks, gestures and energy of my drawings into blown glass forms. I’m intrigued by objects that have a resonance from the past. I add patina and cracks to the glass surface to recreate the weathering of Ancient Roman glass.

Edmond ByrneGlass Artist