CZECH IN
WORLD-RENOWNED GLASS INNOVATIONS FROM CZECHIA
The project is an official part of the Czech Centres’ EU Presidency 2022 Programme.
Organised by Co-organised by Idea, Curator Architect Graphic Design
The Czech Centres The Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou Petr Nový, The Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec n. Nisou Roman Kvita Miroko Maroko
The exhibition was created in cooperation with The Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou as part of the International Year of Glass 2022. ISBN 978-80-908044-4-9 ISSUE BY THE CZECH CENTRES, © 2022 WWW.CZECHCENTRES.CZ, PRINTED BY INDIGOPRINT
CZECH IN
WORLD-RENOWNED GLASS INNOVATIONS FROM CZECHIA
The Czech glass industry, craftsmanship and art are world-famous. Czech glassmakers are not only capable of producing nearly anything but they are also known for introducing new products that differ significantly from those by their competitors. The exhibition, therefore, showcases innovative Czech contributions to global glassmaking from the very beginning until the present day. While the ORIGINS section of the exhibition showcases Czech best sellers from the past that are still popular today, the NEW ERA part is dedicated to the past thirty years including the latest achievements. The individual exhibits are accompanied by two slogans “GAME CHANGER” and “BREAKTHROUGH” reflecting their potential to have a global impact. It is not just the final products that are exhibited, though. The components are included, too, as it is not just about the design but also the technological innovations that open up new design possibilities. From the 3rd century BC onwards, the inhabitants of Bohemia have been coming up with innovations changing the shape of European and later on, with the discovery of Bohemian crystal at the end of the 17th century, even world glassmaking. In addition to that, the Bohemian product range was also exceptional with jewellery playing a special role alongside glass. Since the 18th century, Bohemia has been a global supplier of not only cups and goblets, chandeliers and mirrors, but also glass imitations of precious stones, beads, seed beads and buttons. In the middle of the 20th century, the first original glass works were made there aiming to cross the boundaries between craft and art once and for all. Although Bohemia went through many historical vicissitudes ranging from the repeated loss of state sovereignty to changes of political regimes and significant population changes, the glass and jewellery industries have always succeeded in continuous development. This was not due to abstract ideas, but thanks to specific people. The CZECH IN exhibition is, therefore, dedicated to all the restlesssouls, experimenters and explorers who made their glass dreams come true. The Czech Republic has always been a country of innovation, which is as essential as the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this country in the centre of Europe.
PhDr. Petr Nový The Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou
new design
new technology
new technology
new type
NEW ERA
new material
new type
new technology
new material
new technology
new type
new design
ORIGINS GAME CHANGER BREAKTHROUGH GAME CHANGER BREAKTHROUGH
GLASS STOPPERS VINOLOK
PK 500 PATTERN
Replicas & Innovation in Historical Methods JABLONEC GLASS BUTTONS
1955–1958
PROTECTIVE WELDING GLASS
1975
CZECH MOULD–MELTED GLASS
1943
SIMAX HOT RESISTANT G.
CHATON MAXIMA GLASS STONE
2018
CNS MOULD-MELTED STUDIO GLASS
2021
Innovation & Creativity
UNIQUE COLOURS
1923 1929–1930
2010
• NANO COLOURED GLASS BEADS • ENVIR.FRIENDLY MATERIAL BROKISGLASS
CZECH BEER GLASS
2009 2009
INNOVATIVE GLASS BEADS
CHRIST. O. FROM G. HOLLOW BEADS
1908
RUBY–STAINED GLASS 1832
LITHYALIN GLASS
1829 1828
AUT. G. CUTTING BOHEMIA MACHINE
BOHEMIAN GARNET GLASS BEADS
1715
BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL 1675 3rd century BCE CELTIC GLASS WOUND BEADS
PRECISION MOULDED GLASS COMP.
1991 2002 2008 1991 1992 2007 • MULTICOULORED • SOL-GEL GLASS STONES COLOURED GLASS
CZECH LIGHTING FIXTURES
CELTIC GLASS WOUND BEADS Bohemia Invented in 3rd century BCE
3rd century BCE
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH A NEW TYPE
Photo: Aleš Kosina
CELTIC GLASS WOUND BEADS, Bohemia, invented in the 3rd century BCE. Bracelet with a ram’s head, handmade, replica, GREYA, Prague
The first glass ornaments in Central Europe were made by the Celts. Before then, they had been imported. The region was named after the Celtic Boii tribe – the Boii Land, Boiohaemum, Bohemia. Although the Celts were buying glass melt in the Mediterranean, they were using it to make new shapes and decorations of coloured beads and bracelets. The Czech Lands were one of the centres of the production of these items, as proven by the uncovering of the largest European site of Celtic beads in Němčice nad Hanou. GREYA – Pavlína Weberová The workshop of the Prague-based brand GREYA produces original wound-glass jewellery while honouring traditional Czech glassmaking. In addition to using Czech glass, they also work with Italian and American glass. Their jewellery often combines glass with silver and stainless steel. They also offer replicas of Celtic and Viking ornaments
www.greya.cz
BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL South Bohemia Invented after 1675
1675
ORIGINS
GAME CHANGER NEW MATERIAL
Photo: MOSER
MARIA THERESA set, handmade, blown, cut and engraved crystal glass, designed MOSER in 1913, Karlovy Vary Still produced after the Baroque pattern
The last third of the 17th century saw Bohemia produce the world’s first potassium -calcium crystal glass. Its brilliance surpassed the famous Venetian soda-lime glass, admired by all. Thanks to its hardness, it was possible to cut the glass in a way that resembled quartz or the increasingly popular diamond, as well as engraving it. The ancient glassmaking techniques came back to life in the hands of Bohemian glassmakers. Crystal glass was likely invented by French glassmakers working for the nobility settled in Bohemia. Their task was to imitate the Italian Cristallo but they managed to invent much more – a new global phenomenon. MOSER MOSER is a Czech company producing handmade lead-free luxury crystal. It was founded in 1857 by Ludwig Moser, a talented glass engraver and entrepreneur, who opened his workshop and shop in the spa city Karlovy Vary. Later, he also founded his glassworks there. Thanks to their quality, the company’s products have been recognised and praised by outstanding people all over the world making the MOSER trademark a symbol of perfect handmade glass processing. www.moser.com
BOHEMIAN GARNET GLASS BEADS Turnov Invented before 1715
1715
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW MATERAL
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Pressed, cut and polished glass beads, PAS JABLONEC, Jablonec nad Nisou
Due to their unique dark red colour, Bohemian garnets are the world’s most popular pyrope gemstones. They were known by the Celts, spread across Europe in the Middle Ages and were made famous during the reign of Emperor Rudolph II at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. When the craft of melting composite glass came to Bohemia from Venice at the end of the 17th century, the Bohemian garnet was the first local innovation. The centre of production was based in the town of Turnov. As early as 1715, there was a community of 70 master melters and cutters of composite glass and gemstones. PAS JABLONEC The Jablonec-based company is one of the biggest bead producers in the Czech Republic and the world’s largest producer of bead-rosaries. They also design and make jewellery using traditional methods as well as modern technology, some of which they develop themselves. Their range of pressed beads is offered in hundreds of shapes and a nearly unlimited number of transparent, rich and opaline colours. www.pas-jablonec.eu
LITHYALIN GLASS Friedrich Egermann Invented 1828
1828
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Handmade, blown, painted and cut glass, GLASSBOR, Nový Bor Patterns inspired by original Egermann production
Friedrich Egermann had his marble lithyalin glass which, thanks to a special painting method, resembles popular semi-precious stones, patented. The stones were, however, difficult to produce and the outcome was unpredictable which prevented them from becoming more widespread. Nevertheless, the 19th century saw a number of Bohemian glassworks include marbled glass in their offer, albeit made differently. Egermann’s original method is still known and used today for the production of both replicas and design collections. GLASSBOR The Nový Bor-based company GLASSBOR specialises in refining glass by staining. The glass is cut and engraved both on an artisan and artistic level. The company’s glassmakers use a wide range of other decorative techniques which made the Nový Bor area famous over the centuries. Alongside the production of historical shapes and replicas of decor, the company also designs and produces its own designs and patterns. www.glassbor.com
RUBY-STAINED GLASS Friedrich Egermann Invented 1832
1832
ORIGINS
GAME CHANGER NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
MAGION, handmade, blown, ruby-stained, cut and engraved glass, GLASSBOR, Nový Bor Pattern inspired by original Egermann production
The most significant 19th century Czech glass innovator was the glass painter and entrepreneur Friedrich Egermann. His invention of the red staining, a dye applied under the surface of glass through firing and thus perfectly resembling exclusive ruby glass, immediately became an international hit. Nearly everyone, not just the richest, could afford at least a semblance of luxury. Egermann supplied his goods almost exclusively to the German company Vogelsang & Müller based in Frankfurt am Main up until 1840. A considerable number of the designs were fully engraved. These products remain synonymous to typical Czech handmade glass even today. GLASSBOR The Nový Bor-based company GLASSBOR specialises in refining glass by staining. The glass is cut and engraved both on an artisan and artistic level. The company’s glassmakers use a wide range of other decorative techniques which made the Nový Bor area famous over the centuries. Alongside the production of historical shapes and replicas of decor, the company also designs and produces its own designs and patterns. www.glassbor.com
JABLONEC GLASS BUTTONS Jizera Mountains Invented 1829–1832
1829
ORIGINS
GAME CHANGER NEW TYPE
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Pressed and painted glass buttons, AG PLUS, Jablonec nad Nisou Renewed production of Historicism and Art Nouveau patterns
The first glass buttons in Jizera Mountains were made after 1760. At that time, however, they were inserted into a metal socket. The all-glass buttons were invented there and first produced at the end of the first third of the 19th century. The premise was to find a way to seal the shank into the body of the button. Gradually, new types were invented and the Jablonec glass buttons were so popular by the 1860s that the period was called “Button Fever”. A significant contribution to this was the improved technology of shaping glass in metal pliers which allowed the creation of holes in the buttons. Jablonec buttons reached their prime at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries with customers including luxury department stores in Paris, London and New York. AG PLUS The Jablonec-based company specialises in producing and designing metal and glass jewellery including glass stones and buttons. It is one of the most significant Czech suppliers of rhinestone components and finished products made from them. They also specialise in galvanizing. www.agplus.cz
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS FROM GLASS HOLLOW BEADS Jizera Mountains Invented around 1908
1908
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TYPE
Photo: RAUTIS
Christimas ornaments from glass hollow beads, RAUTIS, Poniklá
The internally silvered blown beads have been produced as part of the Jablonec made jewellery since the end of the 18th century. However, it was not until the introduction of cold silvering after 1854 and later the invention of a simple blowing machine with multi-part moulds that the real boom happened. The work was incredibly fast while maintaining the high quality and the Jizera Mountains-made beads literally flooded the Indian market. However, when Japanese competitors became familiar with this method of production, the golden days came to an end. The Jablonec exporters reacted to the crisis by starting to export novelty Christmas decorations made of silvered beads to the USA and European countries around 1908. Today, this type of ornament is made by only one company in the world – RAUTIS from Poniklá. In 2020, the production method was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. RAUTIS The family company RAUTIS continues its production of glass beads, which has had a tradition in Poniklá since 1902. In addition to traditional and designer Christmas decorations in various colours and shapes, it also offers hobby sets for schools and individual customers as well as workshops and excursions. After a guided tour, each visitor can create their own ornament. The company operates both a shop in Poniklá and an e-shop. www.rautis.cz
PK 500 PATTERN Ladislav Prostředník Invented around 1923
1923
ORIGINS
GAME CHANGER NEW DESIGN
Photo: Ladislav Ševčík Bohemia Crystal
Handmade, blown and cut 24% lead crystal, LADISLAV ŠEVČÍK BOHEMIA CRYSTAL, Železný Brod
Ladislav Prostředník, an Eastern Bohemian cutter, came up with an innovative and opulent way of cutting lead crystal glass which soon turned into a global trend. Both local and international companies followed in his footsteps and decorated their products the same way. Prostředník’s way of decorating was so popular in the US that the term Bohemian Crystal refers not to the original baroque glass of a completely different composition, but to crystal glass containing 24% lead oxide. The PK 500 pattern is still used by a number of producers today. The LADISLAV ŠEVČÍK Company draws on its tradition in a unique way with the HONEYCOMB pattern. LADISLAV ŠEVČÍK BOHEMIA CRYSTAL The family-owned glassworks studio in Železný Brod produces highest quality hand-made cut and engraved Czech crystal. Their decor immediately catches the eye with the depth of the cutting, their delicacy and brilliance. Thanks to the unique style and exclusive processing of the lead crystal, their products are so valued that they are presented as official gifts to statesmen, presidents and members of imperial families. www.sevcikcrystal.cz
UNIQUE COLOURS MOSER Invented 1929–1930
1929–1930
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW MATERIAL
Photo: MOSER
Handmade, blown and cut glass, MOSER, Karlovy Vary
In the 1930s, MOSER first introduced their brand-new glass coloured by rare earths. The unique feature of Heliolite, Alexandrite and Royalite is their ability to change the colour shade depending on the lighting type. Alongside the traditional Czech lead-free crystal, the glassworks currently offer a collection of six unique colours which make their goods immediately recognizable worldwide (Aquamarine, Alexandrite, Beryl, Eldor, Rosalin, Topaz).
MOSER MOSER is a Czech company producing handmade lead-free luxury crystal. It was founded in 1857 by Ludwig Moser, a talented glass engraver and entrepreneur, who opened his workshop and shop in the spa city Karlovy Vary. Later, he also founded his glassworks there. Thanks to their quality, the company’s products have been recognised and praised by outstanding people all over the world making the MOSER trademark a symbol of perfect handmade glass processing. www.moser.com
SIMAX HEAT-RESISTANT GLASS Miloš B. Volf Invented 1955–1958
1955–1958
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW MATERIAL
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Collection DUAL, KAVALIERGLASS, Sázava, from 2014
At the end of 1950s, the KAVALIER glassworks team led by the technologist Miloš B. Volf developed a new type of borosilicate glass, SIMAX, which has excellent temperature and chemical resistance as well as low thermal expansion. Together with PYREX and SCHOTT, SIMAX is one of the world’s best-known brands. The borosilicate glass can be used for making a wide range of products including ampoules, test-tubes, utility products, lighting fixtures and special projects. Some of the latest KAVALIERGLASS innovations include automatically made double-walled drinking glassware. KAVALIERGLASS
KAVALIERGLASS is a leading European manufacturer of borosilicate glass with a 180-year tradition. They regularly present their innovations at renowned trade fairs. Most of their production is exported into more than 90 countries all over the world. The Sázava-based company is one of the world’s biggest borosilicate glass manufacturers with a daily melting capacity of more than 220 tonnes of glass.
www.simax.cz
PROTECTIVE WELDING GLASS Kamenický Šenov Invented 1975
1975
ORIGINS
BREAKTHROUGH NEW MATERIAL
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Protective welding glass, SEVEROSKLO, Kamenický Šenov
The first protective welding glasses were produced in Czechia as early as the 1940s. After 1967, the researchers from the Glass Research Institute in Hradec Králové started to develop a new type of glass suitable for production in tank melting units using the Fourcault method of making flat glass. The unit was first used in 1975 in Kamenický Šenov where it is still used today – the only one of its kind in the world. The factory is operated by the SEVEROSKLO company which has expanded its product range to include vacuum-coated glass reflecting infrared radiation during welding and special glass for eye protection in hot operations such as glassworks and foundries. SEVEROSKLO
Special coloured glasses can protect the eyes from harmful radiation, so they are used by glass welders, smelters, steelworkers and metallurgists. The SEVEROSKLO Company from Kamenický Šenov sell it as SVAR and INFRAZOR. Due to its colour and surface, the resulting very dark plate glass can be used for artistic installations and the historical photographic process of Ambrotypia. www.severosklo.cz
CZECH MOULD-MELTED GLASS Jaroslav Brychta Invented 1943
1943
ORIGINS
GAME CHANGER NEW MATERIAL
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Sample of VITRUCELL glass, LHOTSKÝ, Pelechov
Although fusing pieces of glass together in a mould has been known since the Middle Ages, it was in Czechia that the process was first used to make large artworks. It all started with the experiments made by Jaroslav Brychta, a teacher at the Železný Brod glass school. The experiments were continued by his daughter Jaroslava Brychtová and her team who perfected the process so much that she and her husband Stanislav Libenský were the first in the world to make monumental abstract mould-melted glass sculptures. Zdeněk Lhotský’s invention, VITRUCELL, which he finished in 2013 after twenty years of experimenting, brought new artistic possibilities to the process. Lhotský
Zdeněk Lhotský’s fused sculpture studio in Pelechov, founded in 1996, is a continuation of the Železný Brod tradition. It offers custom-made atelier fused sculpture, interior design and a collection of design and art glass. The studio welcomes artists from all around the world who pursue their own projects there, often very difficult to create. www.lhotsky.cz
INNOVATIVE GLASS BEADS PRECIOSA ORNELA Invented 2009–2021
2009–2021
NEW ERA
GAME CHANGER NEW TYPE
Photo: PRECIOSA-ORNELA
Samples of new shapes of seed and pressed and fire-polished beads, PRECIOSA Hill™, Zásada
Glass beads have been made in north Bohemia since the 18th century. The world glass bead trade centre was Jablonec nad Nisou, and even today, the region is home to a number of companies specialising in glass bead production. Even though it might seem impossible, there are still new items being introduced to the market. The centre of innovative cut and pressed beads since 2009 has been the PRECIOSA ORNELA and their manufacture in Zásada. They are the world’s largest producer of glass seed beads. They focus not only on developing new shapes but also surface decoration. PRECIOSA ORNELA. A MEMBER OF THE PRECIOSA GROUP
PRECIOSA ORNELA is one of the world’s leading producers of a wide range of Czech beads and seed beads. The PRECIOSA Traditional Czech Beads brand guarantees high quality and a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours. The company focuses on hobby makers, and by publishes free bead ornament instructions. The glass rods, sticks and technical glass are made under the PRECIOSA Traditional Czech Glass brand. The company factories are based in Zásada and Desná.
www.preciosa-ornela.com
NANO COLOURED GLASS BEADS ESTRELA ES-PRESS Invented 2010
2010
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Samples of ENT decorated glass wax beads, ESTRELLA ES-PRESS, Železný Brod
The Czech Republic is a world leader in nanotechnology, particularly in the textile industry. It was in the Czechia that the first machine for the industrial production of nanofibres was patented in 2005. Nanotechnologies are used in the glass industry, too. In 2010, the ESTRELLA ES-PRESS company introduced a new method of fixing an ultra-thin lacquer layer using thermal radiation on waxed beads under the ENT (Estrella Nano Technology) brand. The new product offers very good chemical and mechanical resistance and longevity. ESTRELLA ES-PRESS
The ESTRELLA ES-PRESS company honours the centuries old tradition of jewellery making in the Železný Brod region. Their factory in Těpeře manufactures pressed and waxed glass beads and jewellery. They offer a wide range of colours and thanks to their own technologies and methods, their products have high mechanical, chemical and light resistance.
www.estrela.cz
CHATON ROSE MAXIMA GLASS STONE IN RED VELVET PRECIOSA COMPONENTS Invented 2018
2018
NEW ERA
GAME CHANGER NEW TYPE
Photo: Preciosa Components
Chaton Roses MAXIMA Red Velvet, Preciosa Components, Jablonec nad Nisou
Established in the early 1990s, Preciosa’s in-house research and development team has pioneered the way toward more environmentally friendly crystal, not only for Preciosa but for the industry at large. Central to this strategy is the reimagination of existing glass recipes without the inclusion of substances that pose a potential risk to the environment, as well as the development of new, eco-conscious coloured glass. A real game changer for the components industry, Preciosa unveiled Red Velvet, the world’s first “true” cadmium-free red crystal, in 2018 after three years of development. Preciosa Components. A member of the Preciosa Group A global leader in luxury goods manufactured from crystal, the Preciosa Group stands upon centuries of glassmaking tradition and innovation. From the world’s smallest faceted flatback stone to our cutting-edge, bespoke lighting installations, Preciosa looks to our own unique heritage to draw inspiration for the future of responsibly crafted Czech crystal. Together, the Group operates regional offices across Europe, North America and Asia and melts 40 tons of glass every day. Preciosa Components division is today relied upon by an extensive roster of notable brands, designers and manufacturers for its curated assortment of more than 25,000 premium fashion and fine jewelry stones. From start to finish, the production of Preciosa’s entire components portfolio takes place within a single region of the Czech Republic in compliance with all environmental regulation set forth by the European Commission. www.preciosacomponents.com
MULTICOLOURED GLASS STONES RALTON Invented since 1991
1991
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Samples of handmade multicoloured glass stones, RALTON, Jablonec nad Nisou
Combining multiple colours on one object was experimented with as early the first half of the 19th century in Bohemia by both hollow glass producers and jewellers. They were looking for features of the colours which would not cause objects to crack – first empirically and later by conducting an expert study. The combination of transparent and opaline colours, which in the case of handpressed jewellery stones was first developed by the RALTON company, is very effective. They use other colour combinations as well.
RALTON
The RALTON company specialises in the production of hand-pressed traditionally made glass stones. Today, they offer the widest range of glass stone colours and shapes for the jewellery industry with new colours being developed each season to reflect current trends. RALTON have a long history of working with world-famous fashion brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada and others. www.ralton.cz
AUTOMATIC GLASS CUTTING BOHEMIA MACHINE Invented since 2008
2008
NEW ERA
GAME CHANGER NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Kristina Hrabětová
VÍZNER, handmade blown glass, automatic cut, design František Vízner for BOMMA, Světlá nad Sázavou, Limited Edition 2015
Cutting is one of the major methods of hand decorating utility glass. A lot of patterns can be imitated by pressing but it is always apparent from the resulting object. Attempts to mechanize the craft have always involved only simple patterns. It was the BOHEMIA MACHINE company who first introduced a machine capable of perfect, nearly unlimited cutting – the 2008 automatic cutting machine BM-Jack. They offer machines that can cut up to three products at once. The cutting programme is made using design software. BOHEMIA MACHINE
The BOHEMIA MACHINE company produces complete lines for the treatment, storage, transport, and mixing of bulk materials in various technological plants. In glassmaking, they produce glass trunking and lines for managing shard, manual metallurgical production and machine-decoration of utility glass. Under their BOMMA brand they have been launching collections of designed utility glass and lighting since 2012. They offer exceptionally clear lead-free glass, the BOMMA CULLET, for use in glass studios www.bohemia-machine.cz
PRECISION MOULDED GLASS COMPONENTS ECOGLASS Invented since 1991
1991
NEW ERA
GAME CHANGER NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Precision moulded glass lens for street lighting, ECOGLASS, Jablonec nad Nisou
Thanks to the ECOGLASS company, the Czech Republic is a leader in producing precisely moulded technical glass optics for lighting applications. The company uses its own unique technology which guarantees exceptional quality of its products. Moulded lenses are used particularly in car headlights while prisms are used in airport guidance lights. Moulded optics are used in LED public lighting, solar power plant optics as well as other optoelectronic constructions.
ECOGLASS
The family-owned company ECOGLASS is a leading producer of precisely moulded technical glass optics and lighting applications. It provides complex services, from optical design through to producing prototypes, photometric inspection and serial supplies. They also offer the development of raw glass material, colour evaluation and glassmaking software. The company headquarters is in Jablonec nad Nisou and their factory is based in Mnichovo Hradiště. www.ecoglass-optic.com
CZECH BEER GLASS Czechia Designed 2008–2021
2009–2021
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW DESIGN
Photo: Anna Pleslová
BUDVAR, automatic pressed glass, design Rony Plesl, 2021
The Czech Republic is the leading beer producer in Europe. It is not, however, just the typical Pilsner lager with its thick foam that was born there, but also another world’s first – glassware designed exclusively for breweries. The 20th century tradition represented by designers such as Rudolf Schröter, Václav Hanuš, Jiří Brabec and Vratislav Šotola has continued into the new millennium in association with leading Czech designers with Rony Plesl at the forefront. The unique glassware is a testament to the efforts of Czech breweries to maximise the aesthetic qualities as well as the taste of the popular beverage. VELKOPOPOVICKÝ KOZEL – design Jan Čapek, 2009. RADEGAST – design Jan Čapek, 2009. KRUŠOVICE – design Maxim Velčovský, 2014. PILSNER URQUELL – design Rony Plesl, 2014. BERNARD – design Rony Plesl, 2020. SVIJANY– design Přemysl Pražský, 2021. BUDVAR – design Rony Plesl, 2021.
pilsner-urquell.cz, kozel.cz, radegast.cz, budejovickybudvar.cZ, krusovice.cz, bernard.cz, pivovarsvijany.cz
GLASS STOPPERS VINOLOK VINOLOK Invented since 2002
2002
NEW ERA
GAME CHANGER NEW TYPE
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Samples of glass stoppers VINOLOK, Jablonec nad Nisou
The patented glass stoppers VINOLOK which surpass cork and other stoppers have been produced in Jablonec na Nisou since 2003. They have zero impact on aroma and taste, they are 100% recyclable and made of natural material. Their advantages include excellent tightness, they are easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, have plenty of design options and are easily adaptable to the customer’s needs. The VINOLOK company offers their glass closures in the Classic, Edge and Premium product ranges. VINOLOK The VINOLOK company, owned jointly by the Czech glass group PRECIOSA and the world’s biggest producer of cork, the Portuguese company AMORIM, is based in Jablonec nad Nisou where it is producing original glass closures. The products are used by winemakers and spirit producers all around the world, mostly in France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, the USA and Australia.
www.vinolok.cz
CZECH LIGHTING FIXTURES LASVIT Designed since 2007
2007
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW DESIGN
Photo: LASVIT
YAKISUGI, glass table lamp, design Kengo Kuma, LASVIT, Nový Bor, 2017
Czech companies have cooperated on designing lighting fixtures with designers before, but it was LASVIT who first based their successful business strategy on such collaborations. Today, LASVIT is a company with business activities all around the world. More than 2500 LASVIT-made light installations adorn hotels, private residencies and other spaces internationally. The company has been awarded multiple awards. Among the most prestigious is the “Oscar of Design” at the international design fair Salone del Mobile. Over the years, LASVIT has attracted renowned designers and artists to collaborate with it, including the Japanese visionary, architect and Tokyo University Professor Kengo Kuma. LASVIT LASVIT is a modern and progressive creator of new spatial concepts. The company uniquely develops the longterm tradition of Czech glassmaking by connecting exceptional designer, artistic and craft talent under one roof. This results in breath-taking custom-made installations all over the world as well as unmissable collections of lighting, drinking and decorative glassware. The LASVIT company was founded by Leon Jakimič. The Artistic Director is Maxim Velčovský. LASVIT has a single mission: to literally elevate everyone by creating breath-taking spatial experiences that caress the souls of the people who find themselves in the space. www.lasvit.com
ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY MATERIAL BROKISGLASS BROKISGLASS Invented since 2010
2010
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Target from glass shards BROKISGLASS, Prague
The decorative material BROKISGLASS is the result of the ecological approach of the Sklárna Janštejn and BROKIS company. It is made of glass shards, a by-product of the lighting fixtures manufactured at the glassworks. By transforming the shards into a new material by melting them in a specially constructed continual furnace, the material is ecologically and effectively upcycled. The company process 10 tonnes of waste a week. The panels are 5–8 mm thick and measure 350 x 600 mm and 590 x 590 mm. They can be further adapted and surface-treated to meet the customer’s needs. BROKISGLASS
The Prague-based BROKISGLASS company, owned by the Janštejn Glass Group, develops, produces and sells panels made of BROKISGLASS. Thanks to its properties and certification, the material is suitable for use in architecture, construction, interior and product design. The Group also includes BROKIS, a company producing design lighting fixtures, whose Artistic Director is Lucie Koldová. brokisglass.cz
SOL–GEL COLOURED GLASS Zuzana Krejčová Invented since 1992
1992
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
Samples of sol-gel coloured chandelier trimmings, Zuzana Krejčová, Jablonec nad Nisou
The sol-gel method of colouring utility glass and semi-finished products developed by the Jablonec nad Nisou-based company is unique in the world. It is a synthetic process that converts a colloidal suspension into gel. Customers can choose from a wide range of colours. After the application of the method, the glass acquires a high gloss while simultaneously maintaining good mechanical resistance and sharpness of the cut edges. Additionally, this surface treatment creates a protective layer against possible lead leakage from lead glass. Zuzana Krejčová The Jablonec nad Nisou-based company specialising in coloured crystal glass has been active on the market for many years now. In the highly competitive world of the glass trade, the company offers new perspectives that enhance the value of their goods. The company specialise in dyeing chandelier trimmings, glass chandelier components, flacons, beads and small decorative objects. In medicine, their technology is used for colour-distinguishing glass containers as well as making glass spectacle lenses. www.glass.cz/krejcova
CNS MOULD–MELTED STUDIO GLASS Jakub Petr - QUARTZ Invented 2021
2021
NEW ERA
BREAKTHROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY
Photo: Aleš Kosina
GROWTH BOWL, design Jakub Petr, Jesenný
Jakub Petr developed a new method of creating and refining artistic mould-melted glass sculpture which can replace the manual modelling of a mould. First, he creates a mathematically generated CAD model using Adam Turing’s concept (the reaction diffusion model) which he then creates using the CNC milling machine. The mould-melted object can be milled mechanically to an extent using single-purpose machines, and not exclusively by hand. The technology responds, among other things, to the demand for original mould-melted sculptures. If made using traditional methods, their production is very demanding in terms of both craftsmanship and time. Jakub Petr – QUARTZ The designer, artist and innovator Jakub Petr comes from a family of glassmakers. Ever since his studies at The Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, he has been using the latest technologies and knowledge of natural science and working with generative design. Besides experimenting with glass, he also engages in 3D printing and hydropower and organises glassmaking courses for the public. www.jakubpetr.com
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