Althea Braithwaite is a glass artist and children's book writer who started the publishing company Dinosaur publications.

"Our son Duncan was born in 1968 and at that time there were few factual books for very young children. I learnt that if I told him about something before it happened, such as having an injection, he was stoic and accepting. I started to write books to explain new situations. Over the years I have written a large number of books to help children cope with new situations or difficult problems. I always enjoy doing the research with children; they tell me what is important."

Having sold Dinosaur Publications to Harper Collins in 1984 and writing for other publishers, Althea found time to travel. Together with husband Edward she spent two-and-a-half years in Europe in the 90's, and in 2000 spent 10 months travelling around Australia.

In the autumn of 2003 Althea acquired a kiln and started another venture, working with glass, fusing and slumping it to make dishes, as well as making fused glass windows on commission. It has quickly become an obsession.

"For the last few years I've immersed myself in the joy, delight and creative potential of the wonderful medium of glass. I use fusing techniques to manipulate shadows and reflections and to exploit the amazing palette of colours that glass offers.

I'm always experimenting with new ideas and I love commissions, they stretch my skills and imagination. I have been commissioned to make windows, internal and external door panels, wall lights and tiles for bathrooms and kitchens."