The Phenomenon of Czech Glass

The first part of the series tells about the ancient history of Czech and Venetian glass and the beginning of their competition, which lasted several centuries. The mystical properties of light captured in glass influenced Czech medieval culture, and to this day historians and glassmakers research how glass was once made.

Just as the desire for perfectly beautiful glass leads to the invention of Czech crystal and the production of ceremonial goblets, decorated mirrors and costume jewelry, the research passion of alchemists and scholars inspires the development of laboratory glass and glasses - and it is optical glass that is today also the material of modern sculptors.

The industrial revolution was also a revolution in glass production. It brought with it not only a completely new way of life for glass workers now working in mechanized factories, but also unthinkable large sheet glass changing architecture and illuminating cities. The new functioning of the trade made it possible for Czech glass products to flood even distant India.

The story of Czech glass in the 20th century: neon lights and cocktail glasses are temporarily replaced by pint glasses and heavy ashtrays. However, Czechoslovakia needs to export to the West, so famous utility glass and artistic glass objects are created for export to this day.

The post-revolutionary period brought with it absolute artistic freedom, but faced the glassblowers and artists with the necessity to learn to sell their products as well. Success is celebrated by companies producing decorative sculptures and lighting, as well as art glass by older and new generations of creators.

Cheap utility glass imported from China makes it impossible for Czech glassmakers to make a living from its production. However, no one can replace originality, so today Czech glassmakers concentrate on artistic objects and luxurious uniques.