Meet the Maker

František Jungvirt

Designer

The master of crystal 

František is still a student, yes, but that is not stopping him from being one of the most original designers in the country.  He is both a glassmaker and a visual artist, which explains why his work is often the most colourful one in the room. While his well-managed technique comes out of traditional mastery, his approach is youthful and modern, often reflecting current pop-culture trends. 

In 2018, he earned two awards in the Master of Crystal competition, both for his portable lamp called Barok. A pompous combination of baroque elements and modern technologies, the lamp is not only a piece of art but also a great example of František’s signature style. Apart from Prague, you could have admired his designs in Milano, Jerusalem or London, and from now on you can do so at our e-shop, too.

EXHIBITIONS:

2023 Pop-up Exhibition, Embassy of the Czech Republic, London
2023 Leonhard Fopp’s Gallery Art & Business, Zurich
2023 “Journey to the Stars“, Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou
2023 Solo Exhibition, Embassy of the Czech Republic, Bern
2023 DOPPIA FIRMA 2023 Milan, Salone del Mobile, Palazzo Litta, Milá
COMPETITIONS:

2022 Josef Hlávka Award
2022 Stanislav Libenský Award – among the 30 selected participants
2022 Czech Grand Design Awards 2021 – Finalist
2021 Erste Premier Talent Display 2021, Designblok
František Jungvirt life's big questions Read more
František Jungvirt questions image 1 František Jungvirt questions image 2

Big life questions

WHAT WOULD YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY TITLE BE?

This is a difficult question. My life so far has revolved a lot around school and work. I'd like to dedicate the upcoming one to my family, friends and some of my art journey and mission.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR SUNDAY AFTERNOONS?

I am often very busy during the week and don't stop. On the weekend and Sunday afternoons. Some weekends I use this time to come back from my parents' in the Bohemian Forest.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON WHO WOULD SHOW YOUR ARTISTIC SKILLS (in any sphere such as art, music, painting, glass, ceramics, architecture...), WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

It would be one of the Renaissance artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo Buonarroti. Or, for example, the Art Nouveau glass artist and botanist Émile Gallé. I admire the artistry and breadth of knowledge of these figures.

WHAT OR WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU LATELY AND WHY?

If the question is meant to inspire my work, I am inspired by several things.Lately I've been focusing more on decor and textures on glass. For this I have been a lot of my work for KLIMCHI. I've also been doing a lot of free work more object-based and conceptual, and I'm inspired by different artists, often from things other than glass.

WHAT MUSIC OR BOOKS ARE YOU LISTENING TO/READING THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICIANS/WRITERS?

I haven't had time for a book at all lately. I've only been reading magazines and professional articles, which is a bit disappointing. I like to listen to Sting now, but I've also gotten back into classical music, concerts, and I often think back to when I played trumpet in the orchestra.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR WORK/DESIGN, DO YOU THINK OF ANY SPECIFIC EMOTIONS?

I try to be positive rather than negative in my thoughts and work, but it's true, when I think about myself, I'm often critical. Most of the time I am happy though, when I see myself moving forward. I really enjoy working with glass and my life and fulfilling. The emotions of the concrete things I create are varied.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES?

I like to go back home to my native Sumava, where there are many places I love. In Prague I like to spend time with friends, whether in a cafe, gallery, wine bar or elsewhere.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY?

I really like Italy and France, but also the UK and Japan. I like to travel in the Czech Republic as well. I'm not really the type to go for the sun and sea. I relax by walking around the city, visiting museums or a gallery, a walk in the countryside.