Auckland born and raised, Stephen Bradbourne attended Carrington Polytechnic in the late 1980s graduating with a Diploma in Craft Design (major in ceramics). He received immediate critical recognition for his ceramic work and was awarded a Judges Commendation at the internationally-acclaimed Fletcher Challenge Ceramic Award in 1993.

In 1992 Bradbourne joined the Sunbeam Glassworks in Auckland where he quickly developed an affinity for glassblowing, becoming an efficient and highly skilled production blower. Over the next decade, he maintained dual careers in both ceramics and hot glass, successfully exhibiting works in both media.

In 2005 he established his own full-time art practice specializing in intricate traditional Italian glass techniques which include Murrine Mosaic and Twisted Cane styles. Each work is hand shaped and finished using traditional glassblowing techniques that date back hundreds of years.

Bradbourne is now regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading glass artists. He has exhibited widely and his work is included in public and private collections both in New Zealand and internationally.

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