DESIGNS FOR LIFE

CREATIVITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

→ Glass designer Lukas Novak feels similarly positive. “I hope there will be a deepening of the glassware tradition, which today tends to involve small, family-owned companies.”

In the product design sector, craftsmanship in wood also has a strong heritage, particularly in areas such as toy making. Such products are more likely these days to originate from China, but global competition has in turn boosted designers who are emphasising local tradition and sourcing.

One company doing so is BeWooden, which produces fashion accessories from natural materials. “I spent my childhood at the sawmill at my father’s and fell in love with the texture and smell of wood,” says Ctirad Sara of BeWooden.

So what lies in store for Czech design? Professor Michal Fronek, of Prague’s Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, sees the future in the context of past achievements. “We have something local to draw upon and have our heroes. I appreciate the work of Ladislav Sutnar, who built up awareness of design before 1939.”

Product designer Matej Chabera stresses the need to continue this tradition. “It is necessary for young designers to travel, study and gather experience worldwide. But it is equally important that they bring this value back home,” he says.

One designer who has done just that is Praguebased Lucie Koldova, who specialises in product design and furniture. Spending time in Paris and exhibiting abroad, Koldova rapidly established an international reputation. “I work with glass, and glass is why I came back. I discovered what discipline we are good at, and am trying to develop this even further,” she says.

Koldova collaborates with lighting specialist Brokis. Founded in 2006, the company works with Czech and international designers. In this anniversary year, the Czech Republic is experiencing a retro revival; by happy coincidence, with their chunky shapes and brown and orange hues, many Brokis products have a retro look too.