International Study Conference: Bohemian Glass

The exploratory conference, staged in conjunction with the exhibition dedicated to Bohemian glass – to be held in the Stanze del Vetro from 14 May to 26 November 2023 – will investigate the thematic scope of the key tradition that characterises the Czech Republic with regard to the working of this fascinating material.

The overview of the various contributions will provide unprecedented insight into the personalities and contents presented in the exhibition, especially in relation to the timespan examined: from the years following the end of the Great War up to the present day. In fact, the international symposium proposed by the Glass Study Centre will aim to involve experts and authoritative testimonials, who will provide a general and at the same time detailed overview of the historical and contemporary context with regard to design trends. The protagonists of the lectures will be the key figures of Bohemian glass art, their experiments, works, methodological and technical choices, but above all their approach to the choice of shapes and colours, right up to the analysis of the most daring applications and decorations of the glass surface.

The study day will therefore offer a reflection on these research perspectives through the interventions of both Italian and foreign experts, with the aim of comprehensively outlining the various personalities and careers of artists – from their formative years through to professional maturity – such as Miluše Roubíčková, René Roubíček, Václav Cigler, Vladimír Kopecký, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtov. An opportunity to introduce the public to the value of the glass creations of Czech exponents who have influenced taste and multifaceted application opportunities, as well as enriching prestigious collections, not without continuing to influence choices and generate constant innovation and comparison in design on the international scene.