In a collaboration between two well-known Canberra institutions, empty gin bottles are getting a new lease of artistic life.

Inspired by the clear blue of the Bombay Sapphire Gin bottles, local pub owner Peter Barclay began to put aside the empties from King O’Malleys awaiting an idea.

When it came, he contacted Canberra Glassworks’ production and commissions manager Jacqeline Knight with the thought that his collection of empty blue bottles might be repurposed. 

Designer and glassblower Katie-Ann Houghton turned the bottles into vases, five of which are now hung in his Civic pub as a bespoke chandelier. 

“It is a wonderful partnership and a beautiful story,” Peter says. 

“We’re so lucky to create something that has a Canberra history.

“It’s not just recycling – it’s upcycling.”

Typically the bottles, along with other recycled glass, would find their way into granulated road base, but the team at the Kingston glassworks were quick to get to work, playing around with the donated bottles. 

Initially, they found the glass lost its colour when melted down and decided it had to be moulded into something new if the signature blue colour was to be maintained. 

After cutting the tops from the bottles, it was Katie-Ann’s idea to create a steel mould, something that could be used to melt the bottles into a new, octagonal shape for the vases. 

This new method would result in the bottles being stretched from their four-point shape to eight neat points by blowing into the heated glass from a blow pipe. The original embossing on the front and base of the bottle is still visible on the vase. 

“It honestly breaks my heart to see something so beautiful go to waste,” says Jacqueline. 

“This is why we are here. We want to repurpose glass to make something that is beautiful, practical and bespoke.”

The tops of the bottles are reused for other projects around the facility. 

“Everything gets used,” says Jacqueline. “There’s no waste.”

Katie-Ann has a team of five working with her on the project, with small batches of 30 to 40 vases made at a time.

“It’s a slow process,” says Jacqueline. 

“The vases require hours between each stage to allow them to properly cool down.

“The end result is something that is entirely unique.”

The King O’Malleys x Canberra Glassworks sapphire vases limited edition collection continues to be a hit. 

“Peter has been amazing at marketing for us,” says Jacqueline. 

“It’s been a great collaboration between two Canberra businesses.”

The vases can be bought at the Canberra Glassworks Shop. 

“Handmade glass and glassblowing is an endangered skill,” says Jacqueline.

“It’s important that our artists’ hard work is recognised.”

Katie-Ann can often be found in the Hotshop, which has a viewing deck for visitors to watch the process live. 

Her work has included reusing other bottles, including creating glasses and decanters from wine bottles. 

Peter continues to collect and donate the Bombay Sapphire bottles, with all proceeds going towards the artists.