Hot glass designer & artist, Gerry Reilly is know for a strikingly vivid range of handcrafted blown art glass designs from the Melting Pot Glass Studio in Margaret River WA, which he has owned and operated since 1990, until his retirement from commercial glass practice at the end of 2025.
He and his partner Margot Edwards have run the studio together, having evolved to focus on responding to commissions, online and by appointment; and running experiential hot glassmaking experiences and special events. Many people will never forget the experience of spending an hour with Gerry, being guided through making your own glass, or the thrills for your children as they blow their own bauble. Their son Ned Reilly has gradually taken over the role of workshop artist and commercial glass producer since 2023, and stepped into the lead studio artist role in 2026; while Margot maintains the business management.
Gerry Reilly maintains all intellectual property for his designs under his Gerry Reilly Glass Designs, with the popular tableware series on licence to the Melting Pot Glass Studio.
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Gerry began his 45 year journey in hot glass in his early 20s. After training in Ceramics & Glass at Monash University and University of Tasmania (1976-1981), Gerry worked in clay and glass studios in Tasmania and SA, including the Jam Factory Craft Workshop, before settling in the south west of WA in the mid 1980s.
Gerry’s ongoing professional development included conferences and workshops, including Nexus International Glass Forum in 2019 at Northlands Creative in NE Scotland; stretching back to an advanced workshop in Venetian Glass techniques with Venetian glassmaster, Lino Tagliapietra in the early 1990s. He was Workshop Coordinator for the AUSGLASS National Conference in WA in 2003.
Gerry Reilly has exhibited nationally and internationally and his artworks are represented in public and private collections around Australia and overseas, including the Ebeltoft Glasmuseum Denmark.
Gerry was commissioned by Linton and Kay Galleries in 2017 to create a major artwork for the Intercontinental Hotel in Perth, collaborating with architect Eva Sue, on a magnificent three-part hanging installation, Forest Drift, in the hotel foyer, made with 72 blown glass leaves. The commission also included platters in every guest room; sculptures and vases in the upstairs VIP breakfast room; and awards for opening presentations.
In early 2018, Gerry created Effervescence for Perth’s Optus Stadium with over 80 glass bubbles suspended across the roof of the ground floor VIP Locker Room bar.
Gerry Reilly has numerous pieces in the City of Bunbury Collection, after winning the City of Bunbury Acquisition Award in BRAG’s South West Survey flagship exhibition in 2008 and 2003, amongst numerous category awards since 1990. He was invited to enter his artwork in the inaugural Bunbury Biennale 2009.
Gerry had highly successful solo exhibitions at the Arts Centre Warragul, Victoria (2007), Pilbara Fine Art Gallery (2001) and Fremantle Arts Centre (1999). In late 2006, Gerry was invited to take part in the major Australian Glass exhibition with AUSTRADE Canada, at Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto. He has taken part in numerous festival events as invited artist, including the Margaret River’s International Wine Festival and boundary-pushing Emergence Creative Festival.
In 2007, Gerry took part in the Designing Futures Program with FORM Contemporary Design, researching and developing new design artworks exhibited in EVOLVE at Bunbury Regional Art Galleries 2007, and Central TAFE Galleries, Perth 2008. This professional development program further informed his public and private commission work for government, large corporations and private collectors.
Gerry Reilly’s commissioned works include awards, corporate gifts, trophies and interior designed pieces for clients as varied as the WA Dept for Arts and Culture, PrimeMinister’s Dept CHOGM diplomatic gifts; WA Premier’s Dept and DEEWR Indigenous Higher Education Awards; Sultan of Brunei and Danish Ambassador’s collection, Margaret River Masters & Drug Aware Pro International Surf Trophies for 20 years; Swimming Australia trophies; large commission projects for Energy Developments Ltd, Consolidated Minerals, Chevron Aust and Hammersley Iron, plus Fortescue Metals and Woodside Petroleum corporate gifts; SHINE 2011 in-flight group conference; ISAF World Championship Sailing Regatta 2010; Royal Perth Golf Club; Holmes A Court, Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate Collections.
Working closely with numerous galleries, curated art fairs and gift shops over four decades, and more recently focused on Western Australia, specifically Aspects of Kings Park Gallery, Gallows Gallery, Linton and Kay Galleries and Fremantle Arts Centre’s annual Bazaar Christmas Fair, Gerry Reilly’s beautiful art glass creations and presentation works have been collected by a diverse range of individuals, companies and government departments.
Much of Gerry Reilly’s design inspiration comes from the vast Australian interior. He and Margot have been regular visiting artists for the annual Blackstone Arts Festival held in the Central Desert indigenous community; and their travels across Australia, the Nullabor, western Qld and the Pilbara and Kimberley have been a continual source of design inspiration. The south west of WA and the Swan Valey behind Perth remain regular sources for inspired pieces. The landscapes experienced on their R&D roadtrip to Scotland and Ireland in 2019 provided new palettes for Gerry Reilly’s big sky series.
Gerry studied ceramics alongside glass in his student days, including 2 years under master ceramist, Les Blakeborough at University of Tasmania in the early 1980s, and worked as a production potter whilst establishing his own glass practice in south west WA. He may still rekindle his interest with the intention to create a body of work made from local materials – clay, rock, ash and wood; and of building a new wood-fired kiln; seeking to reveal a deeper sense of place in the process and outcome of his art practice.
Gerry has been a Fellow of the Crafts Council of WA since 1995; received Craftmark accredition and became an affiliate of Craft Australia in 1999.
Bibliography – “Masters of their Craft – Tradition and Innovation in the Australian Contemporary Decorative Arts” by Noris Ioannou.
“Inspired by Light and Land: Designers and Makers in Western Australia 1970 to the 21st Century” by Dorothea Erickson, published by WA Museum 2024
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1976-81 Studied glass/ceramics at Monash University School of Art, Gippsland Institute and University of Tasmania
1989 Advanced workshop in Venetian Glassblowing techniques with Lino Tagliopietra (Italy), Dante Marioni (USA), Richard Marquis (USA), in Auckland, NZ.
1995 Fellow of Crafts Council of WA – “in recognition of his commitment to crafts practice in the field of Glass and Education”.
2007 Designing Futures Cluster Workshop, Margaret River in conjunction with FORM Contemporary Design Project
2019 Nexus International Glass Forum, Northlands Creative, Lybster. NE Scotland.
INSTALLATIONS:
2022 Falling Leaves, SWAN Exhibiton (South West Art Now) – Bunbury Regional Art Galleries; Form Gallery @ The Goods Shed Claremont
2017 “Forest Drift”, collaborating with architect Eva Sue, on a magnificent three-part hanging installation, in the foyer, Perth’s Intercontinental Hotel. Consisting of with 72 blown glass leaves, the hanging sculpture was commissioned by Linton and Kay Galleries with the project architects, Woods Bagot. The commission also included platters in every guest room; sculptures and vases in the upstairs VIP breakfast room; and awards for opening presentations.
2018 – “Effervescence”, Perth’s Optus Stadium – 80+ glass bubbles suspended across the roof of the ground floor VIP Locker Room bar.
2015 “Aquifer Mk 2” Architectural Installation, Lobby – Toccatta Apartments, East Perth,
2015 “GM Grapes Mk2” – illuminated sculpture, Emergence Creative Festival, Margaret River;
2014 “Fukishima Fruit Box” – illuminated installation for “Flair”, Ausglass National Exhibition, Gallery Central
2011 “GM Grapes” – illuminated installation, Vintage Art Trail, Margaret River Wine Festival;
2009 “Yellerie Glowarama”, first illuminated intstallation for Bunbury Biennale, BRAG
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 “One Perfect Day”, Gerry Reilly landscapes, Linton & Kay Galleries, Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley, WA
2007 “Gerry Reilly – Art Glass”, Retrospective, West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul, Vic
2001 “Gerry Reilly Glass Artist & Sheila Bedford Painter”, Pilbara Fine Art Gallery, Karratha
1999 “Beyond the Rim – Western Landscapes in Glass”, Fremantle Arts Centre
FEATURE ARTIST:
2013 “South West Showcase”, Parliament House, Canberra
2010 “Desert Series”, Foyer Perth Concert Hall
2006 Commissioned artist–WA Business Arts Partnerships Awards, WA Dept Arts&Culture
2005 Artopia – Living Artists – feature artist – Aspects of Kings Park, Perth
2000 Feature Artist – Contemporary Design Craft Show, Sydney
1998 Feature Artist – Myer West Week, Perth
INVITED EXHIBITIONS:
2022-25 Art Is, Margaret River Region Open Studios Collaborative Exhibition, Christian Fletcher Galleries, Dunsborough
2019 Explorations in Glass, Glass Artists of WA, Bunbury Regional Galleries
2019 “From the Heart”, opening of The Heart, Margaret River Cultural Centre
2018 “Luminosity” – Margaret River Galleries
2014, “Flair”, Glass Artists of WA, Gallery Central, Perth
2012 “Fluidity” – Mundaring Arts Centre
2009 “On Fire” – Mundaring Arts Centre
2008 “City of Bunbury Collection”, Bunbury Regional Art Galleries (BRAG)
“Evolved” Central Tafe Showcase Space, Perth,
2007 “Emerge” Designing Futures, BRAG
“Style and Sensibility”, ArtGeo Busselton Courthouse Gallery
2006 “Australian Glass”, Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto /AUSTRADE Canada
2003 “Glass Art – Gerry Reilly & Cindy Durant”, Yallingup Garden Art Studio,
“AUSGLASS 2003”, Customs House Fremantle
2001 “Centenary of Federation Glass Exhibition”, Tasmania
2000 Kirra Australia, Melbourne
Craft Australia Olympic Exhibition & Olympic VIP lounge, Circular Quay
1999 “Presiding Officer’s Acquisiton Award Exhibition”, Parliament House, Canberra
1998 Kirra Australia, Melbourne
The Mill Gallery, York
1993-95 City of Perth Craft Award
1993 Blaxland Galleries, Sydney
1993-94 Customs House Invitation Award exhibition, Fremantle
1990-2009 SW Survey, Bunbury Art Galleries
1990-94 Margaret River Art Galleries – Members Exhibitions
ART FAIRS
2014-2025 Margaret River Region Open Studios
2014-2024 Bazaar, Fremantle Arts Centre
2005 Ambiente Gift and Trade Fair, Germany/ Austrade
Singapore Gift Show, Austrade
1997 Exhibitor, Australian Craft Show, Sydney
1996-98 Art/Craft Expo, Fremantle,
1996 Aust. Contemporary Art Fair, Melbourne with Crafts Council of WA
1996 Exhibitor, Australian Craft Show, Sydney and Canberra
1993-2005 Habitat Crafts Show, Fremantle Arts Centre Fair
AWARDS
2008 City of Bunbury Art Acquisition Award, SW survey exhibition, Bunbury Art Galleries
2003 Finalist – Spirals Art Award, Bunker Bay.
2001 Highly Commended, York Society Art Awards
2000 Winner – inaugural Willyabrup Art Acquisition Award, south west WA artists.
Judges – Alan Dodge, WA Art Gallery/Belinda Carrigan, Holmes A Court collection
1997 Winner – Sculpture Award, SW Survey Exhibition, Bunbury Art Galleries
1996 Silver medal – Awards for Excellence, Art-Craft Expo, Fremantle
Highly Commended – Wanneroo City Art Awards
1994 Winner – Leonora Art Prize, Sculpture/Ceramics/Wood/Glass
Winner – York Society Art Craft Awards – Glass
1992 & 94 Winner – Glass Section, SW Survey Exhibition, Bunbury Art Galleries.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCIES
2005-2017 Annual Visiting Artist, Blackstone Festival, Central Desert WA – glass beadmaking/community art projects in collaboration with Margot Edwards, Blackstone community & other visiting artists
2003 Artist in Residence – Warburton Aboriginal Community, Central Desert WA
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Ebeltoft Glasuseum, Denmark
Queensland State Gallery Craft Collection
Holmes A Court Collection
City of Bunbury Collection
University of South Australia Collection
Bankwest Corporate Collection
Don Dunstan Collection
La Trobe Gallery Collection
Dianne and Terry Grammer Private Collection
Lloyd and Bev Margetts Private Collection
Sczurek private Collection
Ambassador of Denmark Collection
Karratha Resort
The Lakes Resort, Adelaide
Tasmanian School of Art Collection
Chisholm Senior High School Private Collection
Private collections throughout Australia and the world.
CORPORATE COMMISSIONS AND TROPHIES
2020 Argyle Diamonds commerative awards
2010-2020 Women Lawyer’s WA annual awards
2018-2024, 2016 WA Screen Academy Awards, ECU Mt Lawley
2015-2019 Rio Tinto/Dampier Salt long service awards;
2019-2024 Hepatitis WA Awards
2019 Council of Ambulance Authorities conference awards
2019 Bunbury Cathedral Grammar commemorative awards
2018 Australian Mines, European Trade Fair presentation display bottle
2017 Perth Intercontinental Hotel opening presentation awards
1991-2019 Drug Aware Margaret River International Pro Surf Trophies – now five star international event
2017 University of WA , presentation pieces for Chinese University
2016 St John of God Murdoch Hospital, commemorative pieces
2015 Indian Ocean Longboard Club, annual awards
2015 Curtin University, commemorative gifts
2014 DG Global, Table Centrepieces auctioned Mercedes Benz Ball World of Colour Fundraiser, Burswood Casino
2014 WA Health Dept annual awards,
2014-15 Swimming Australia’s BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series
2013 Energy Developments Ltd 25thanniversary gifts;
2013-17 Atco Gas Award; Atco Australia Award
2011 Chevron Aust Wheatstone Project Protocol Gifts & Commerative Awards for Gorgon Project 2011 ISAF World Championship Sailing Regatta;
2011 Surfrider Foundation awards
2009-10 SW Academy of Sport Annual Awards;
2008 Fortescue Metals-Baosteel Steel presentation Gifts,
2008 Faculty of Life & Physical Sciences UWA (SPICE),
2008 Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA),
2007-09 DEST Indigenous Higher Education Awards;
2007 Legends Golf Tour Trophy;
2006 Handa Cup Perpetual Trophy onwards
2006 WA Business Arts Partnership Awards, WA Dept of Arts & Culture;
2006 Dept of Industry and Resources Gift
2005 Indigenous Vietnam Veterans Awards
2004-08 Mastercard Junior Golf Masters Trophies;
2004-05 Telstra Australia Rally
2005 Royal Perth Golf Club to Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews & Royal Calcutta Golf Club; 2004-05 Fremantle Arts Centre Gifts Registry;
2004-08Craftwest/Form Gifts Registry incl. regular commissions for Australian Government
Prior to 2004: CHOGM protocol gifts for partner’s of Heads of Government, Primeministers Dept;
Sultan of Brunei, Mayors of Shanghei and Beijing; King of Thailand;
Govenor of WA; Hammersley Iron, IBM; Fremantle Yacht Club,
WA Windsurfing Championships trophies; WAMI Awards; Takano Yuri Women’s Golf Classic
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dorothea Erickson, “Inspired by Light and Land: Designers and Makers in Western Australia 1970 to the 21st Century”, published by WA Museum, 2024
Ioannou, Noris. Masters of their Craft; Clay, Glass, Metal, Fibre, Wood. Tradition and Innovation in the Australian Contemporary Decorative Arts, Craftsmen House, Sydney, 1997.
Lynggard, Finn. The Story of Studio Glass: The Early Years, a Historic Documentation Told by the Pioneers. Copenhagen: Rhodos International Science and Art Publishers, 1998.
– Lloyd, R. Ian Margaret River Australian Wine Regions. Brookvale, New South Wales: Tower Books Australia, 2000.
– Litchfield Bob. Litchfield Caroline. Cape to Cape. Impressions and Images of the Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin Region.: Australia, Bob Litchfield Pty Ltd, 2000
– Classics for Collectors, Paul Terry International, Australia 1991
– Craftwest Journal – feature article and cover spring edition, 1994
– Australia’s Best, an Exhibition of Unique Australian Art, Sydney 2000 Olympics, Craft Australia and Australian Tourist Commission 2000.
TELEVISION
– Recipes that Rock, International TV series, featured Gerry Reilly creating a platter with celebrity chef, Matt Stone and cheesemaker/ex-Blur bass player Alex James, filmed during the celebrated Gourmet Escape in Margaret River 2012, on TV during 2013 Europe & Australia.
