Dreya Bennett was born in Africa and lived in Lagos until her 9th birthday when her family moved back to the UK. Moving to Cornwall at such a key age shaped Dreya’s passions and future in so many ways. Having always been in swimming pools and the sea in Africa the love of water intensified on the beautiful beaches and in the crashing Atlantic surf of the Cornish Coastline.

“The sea and its different moods have always been in my life.”

Being a keen surfer in her teens her love of playing in and with the elements became all-encompassing when Dreya discovered the thrill of kite surfing. A pioneer in the early days of the sport Dreya set up one of the first schools in the UK and competed on the world circuit with her highest ranking being 3rd in the world. Dreya also enjoyed other kiting challenges and set a world record by kite surfing from Cornwall to Ireland (under her maiden name Wharry).

“I discovered glass by accident, through my landlady whilst studying at Falmouth Art College, falling instantly in love with the look and the process of working with glass I decided to specialise in Architectural Stained Glass at Swansea. Though not actively working with glass during my sporting career, the fascination never left. Now retired from competition, glass is back as the focus of my passion.”

“Its colour, its reflections and translucent quality instantly captured my heart. To me, it has a similar quality to water. It is enigmatic you can look at it, or through it. It is there and not there and can create a potent visual effect, either opulent or subtle. I love the challenge of designing for different buildings, interiors and people, whether a large architectural piece or an intensely personal small piece.”

Dreya