Glasstone: Pioneers in Authentic Stacked Glass Headstones Since 2011

Glasstone - the World's First Professional stacked glass Headstone Studio

Glasstone has earned a prominent position as an innovative and authentic glass monument maker and the world's leader and pioneer in stacked glass headstone production. Founded by glass artist Ernest Vitin, Glasstone brought a new breeze into the stagnant conventional commemoration scene, where granite and boulder grave monuments had prevailed in cemeteries worldwide for many centuries. Glasstone stacked glass grave monuments are a revolutionary approach to commemorating and celebrating the lives of our loved ones. 

A Visionary's Journey in Glass Art

Glass artist Ernest Vitin began mastering the layered glass technique during his bachelor's studies at the Glass Art Department of the Art Academy of Latvia in 2004. At this point, Ernest encountered the fact that the academics and the public highly appreciated the aesthetics of the layered glass technique. Still, no one was able to teach him how to make endurable layered glass sculptures. Fascinated by monumental art and recognizing a lack of information on the most suitable glass art techniques for this purpose, he pursued a master's degree to research and refine the layered glass technique. His goal was to create monumental stacked glass sculptures that would maintain their original brilliance and quality over time, even when exposed to changing climatic conditions.

While studying at the Art Academy, Ernest received a family request to find a reputable sculptor to design a family gravestone. Intrigued by the possibilities, he decided to undertake the project himself, developing a grave monument using the stacked glass technique as the subject of his master's thesis. Ernest dedicated his research, acquired knowledge, and practical experience to a goal that was both important and honorable to him: commemorating his origins, ancestors, and family history through a stacked glass headstone.

This is how the first layered glass headstone, “Vītiņi,” was created and installed at his family's burial site in the historic First Forest Cemetery in Latvia in 2011. The creation of this grave monument was not just a personal tribute but also a groundbreaking experiment in using layered glass for grave monuments. It addressed one of Ernest's key artistic and philosophical concerns—that the fate of a work of art should not be merely passive. He did not want his glass sculptures to simply exist without purpose or meaning. This innovative glass headstone sparked a profound curiosity and a visionary idea: Could glass, with its light reflective qualities and structural potential, serve as a lasting medium for memorials? This pivotal question propelled Ernest down a path of deep exploration and continuous innovation.

The Birth of Glasstone

Fueled by the successful installation of the “Vītiņi” grave monument in the graveyard, Ernest recognized the potential to transform the memorial industry. He founded Glasstone with the vision of crafting grave monuments that reflect the unique essence of individuals through the beauty and resilience of well-crafted stacked glass memorial art. His academic background and relentless pursuit of technical mastery led to the development of Glasstone's signature stacked glass technique, which has since set new standards in the art of commemoration. 

In his quest for innovative designs in glass grave monuments, Ernest drew inspiration from the classic shape of traditional headstones, reimagining them in a modern material – glass. He transformed the conventional narrative of stone grave monuments - typically featuring a polished front and a chiseled back—into a new, light-filled interpretation. Now crafted entirely from glass, these headstones bring a fresh perspective to traditional values. Over time, these refined designs have become a hallmark of Glasstone's Classic Collection, each piece a testament to the fusion of heritage and innovation.

The further development of the Glasstone memorial concept 

The in-depth study of the possibilities of the stacked glass technique allows diversification of the use of glass and the creation of increasingly complex variations in shape and size. Every day, countless novel creations emerge in the Glasstone grave monument studio, thus making glass gravestones truly personal, luxurious, and, equally importantly – durable. These increasingly brave flights of creative thought and their embodiment are best seen in the diversity and realization of Glasstone's bespoke glass headstone orders.

Under Ernest’s leadership, Glasstone Art Memorial Studio has continually pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with glass. The transition from using Polystyrene to adopting CNC drawing in 2022 exemplifies Glasstone’s commitment to precision and environmental sustainability. This change not only allowed for the creation of more complex and personalized glass headstone designs but also demonstrated Glasstone’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

Each glass grave monument crafted at Glasstone is a result of meticulous design and careful consideration of both aesthetics and durability. Pressure tests and real-world conditions have proven that Glasstone's grave monuments match the durability of traditional granite, enduring everything from diverse weather to accidental impacts. 

Grave Monuments as Artworks of Remembrance

The Glasstone team comprises several glass artists holding master's degree in glass art as well as enthusiastic craftsmen. To ensure the creation of the highest-quality stacked glass headstones, each new craftsman at Glasstone is required to work as an apprentice for at least 1.5 years in our workshop in order to develop basic technical skills. After this period, the apprentice moves on to more elaborate tasks, mentored by one of the elder artisans. Artisans work on individual projects only after completing 3 years of learning. This mentorship period fosters a creative atmosphere ripe for collaboration and innovation, which is reflected in every monument from concept to installation. Each stage of creation is marked by unwavering dedication and artistic excellence.

As our glass artisans continue to evolve, the aesthetic and artistic value of their work is similarly enhanced. We actively encourage and support each team member's development through participation in exhibitions and design projects.

Some of the notable projects include the creation of glass chapel furnishings—an altar, tabernacle, pulpit, and water vessel – for the "Roots and Wings" chapel at Bārbele Boys' School by Ernest Vitin and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ērgļi by Martins Kalnins. In 2019, the Glasstone team showcased a unified effort at the “Būt/To be” glass art exhibition at the Līvāni Center for Arts and Crafts. That same year, Ernest Vitin, supported by the Glasstone team, was awarded the prestigious “Kilogram of Culture” for his solo exhibition "Within the Glass Labyrinth" at the Riga Art Space. And the 2022 exhibition "Through the Layered Glass" at Ogre History and Art Museum. Glasstone artists have ongoing individual participation in group exhibitions.

The involvement in architectural projects and art exhibitions plays a crucial role in advancing our research on stacked glass technology. These experiences contribute to the development of innovative ideas, culminating in the distinctive Glasstone stacked glass headstones.

Celebrating the Passed Life with Light and Lasting Legacy

Glasstone's creations are more than sculptural glass grave monuments; they are beacons of remembrance that celebrate the lives of our loved ones with a highly personal narrative and brilliance. Every glass headstone is a unique piece of memorial art conceived and crafted with the utmost respect for the memories it is meant to preserve. Ernest Vitin’s pioneering spirit and continuous innovation have established Glasstone as a leader in bespoke stacked glass headstones, providing families a way to commemorate their loved ones with light, beauty, and profound gratitude. His philosophy—that a monument should be an active, living tribute rather than a passive relic—is deeply imbued in every creation, enriching the monuments' aesthetic value and ensuring they serve as lasting and meaningful tributes.