Artist Statement

Tony Mayall - From Aotearoa, New Zealand, Kingdom Glassblowing emerged working with master glass blowers at the world's first certified Carbon Zero glassblowing studio. I absorbed the craft of glass finishing, studio operations and glassblowing and upon losing our beloved pet Boxer began exploring glass cremation memorials which use a little cremated remains that are delicately crafted into molten glass and formed into unique and personal memorial art. We found people appreciated the work and its ability to honour and celebrate their passed pets. Our desire to assist in our own way in helping others with their grief journey gave much purpose to our passion for creating beautiful glass art.

Residing in County Roscommon we have built our glassblowing studio from scratch and lovingly craft unique hand-made glass-art and continue to offer our cremation memorial service throughout Ireland. The work is inspired by the changing seasons, the vast waterways and rugged coastlines of both my childhood upbringing in New Zealand and new home here in Ireland. We aim to capture both peacefulness and playfulness in form, colour and pattern to create a frozen moment of fluidity and wonder. Every work is unique and hand-crafted in our family run studio and we take great commitment, the endeavour of sustainable craftsmanship to pave the way for future glassmaking generations.

Tony Mayall - Kingdom Glassblowing