Media release
15 May 2008
Bombay Sapphire ‘Botanical Bar’ Showcases New Zealand Design
Bombay Sapphire expands ‘Blue Room’ success with a pop-up bar showcasing New Zealand furniture designers and artists
Building on the success of its Blue Room events, Bombay Sapphire has commissioned a number of New Zealand designers to
create a series of one-off, design pieces, furniture and artwork for its new design event, the Bombay Sapphire Botanical
Bar
The bar will be open to the public, and will temporarily exist in Auckland, and then Christchurch across the month of
August. At the conclusion of the event, the Botanical Bar will be dismantled and the design pieces, including seating,
lighting and the bar itself will be individually auctioned.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt which is widely recognised for its
extensive collection of contemporary New Zealand craft, art and furniture.
Bombay Sapphire Marketing Manager, Rowan Dean says the new concept evolved out of the success of the Bombay Sapphire
Blue Room events.
“Bombay Sapphire has a strong international history in supporting design. Following the success of the Blue Room, we
wanted to evolve and broaden our relationship with the New Zealand design community and engage our audience through a
new and unique design initiative. The Bombay Sapphire Botanical Bar will be a unique event that showcases the best of
New Zealand design whilst also creating true Bombay Sapphire experience those who visit. It’s really exciting to see
such a wide range of people involved, from photographers & artists through to furniture & glass designers.”
Confirmed participants include furniture designers Simon James and David Trubridge, photographer Chris Sisarich, glass
artist Stephen Bradbourne and artists Billy Apple and Rachel Walters. Further designers are to be announced.
The Bombay Sapphire Botanical Bar will also be serving a number of original cocktails designed by the country’s leading
bartenders.
The Bombay Sapphire ‘Botanical Bar’ will open to the public in Auckland on the 6th -20th  August at the corner of
Commerce St and Custom St and  then travel to Christchurch where it will open from 23rd to 25th August 2008 at the
Simon Fisher Gallery, 134 Victoria St, Christchurch.
Issued on behalf of Bombay Sapphire by Cathy Campbell Communications
ends