Project Case Study

The York Ghost Merchants

Bespoke glass ghosts created for The York Ghost Merchants, combining specialist glassmaking, fire-polished finishing and premium presentation for a limited-edition release.

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A specialist glass project where clarity, finish and collectable presentation all mattered.

Project Overview

John Moncrieff created bespoke glass ghosts for The York Ghost Merchants as part of their Black Box Edition range, a series made in collaboration with skilled makers using traditional materials and techniques. The Resident Glass Ghost was produced as a limited edition of 1,000 pieces for “The Residents” installation, shown in the vaulted basement of the Mansion House in York during Ghost Week. 

This was not a standard glass production job. The brief called for a pure glass ghost with the crystal-clear appearance the client wanted, while also delivering a finish and durability suited to a collectable object. 

This project demonstrates where specialist glass manufacturing creates real value: custom glass pieces made with the right material, forming method and finishing process for products where presentation and quality are central to the final result. 

Scope of Supply

• Bespoke glass ghosts for The Resident Glass Ghost edition
• Press-moulded clear lime-soda glass production
• High-temperature fire-polished finishing
• Specialist glass manufacture for a limited-edition collectible release

Why This Project Matters

The Resident Glass Ghost was created for a highly specific installation and collector audience, so the material and finish were critical. The York Ghost Merchants describe the glass ghosts as press-moulded in clear lime-soda glass and then polished at high temperature through fire polishing to achieve the crystal-clear quality they wanted. 

The finished ghosts were also intended to be more resistant to physical damage than many other types of glass, making the process choice commercially important as well as visually effective. 

The right bespoke glass solution supported both — delivering a striking collectible object while meeting the expectations of a limited-edition retail release.

What Clients Take From This

• We can support specialist collectible and retail projects requiring bespoke glass manufacture
• We produce custom glass pieces using appropriate forming and finishing techniques
• We understand the importance of clarity, finish and presentation in premium product design
• We add value where material choice, craftsmanship and product quality all matter

Quote from the Project

The edition of 1,000 glass ghosts was created for “The Residents” installation and exhibited as a linear collection on an under-lit table 7 metres long. 

Planning a Bespoke Glass Project?

If you are developing a collectible object, premium retail product or specialist custom piece, we can help with bespoke glass manufacturing and finishing support.

Call 01577 864870 or email lighting@jmoncrieff.co.uk

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