Molten glass
Molten glass sculptures represent a unique and exceptionally demanding technology requiring deep knowledge, experience, and precision. The process begins with the creation of a model, followed by casting the mold and the gradual melting of the glass, which can take weeks or even months. Slow-controlled cooling ensures the durability of the object, while every detail of the mold is meticulously crafted. This technique demands perfect synergy between art and craftsmanship. Any mistake during the production may require starting the entire process from scratch. Due to this uniqueness, Czech glassmakers are among the world's top professionals. Melted glass, in the hands of pioneers like Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský, evolved into a distinct discipline. Today, their legacy continues, and the technology of glass melting continues to inspire contemporary artists to create unique works of art.
Glassworks Lhotský, established in 1994, continues the long tradition of Czech glass art and is internationally renowned for producing melted sculptures. Under the leadership of Zdeněk Lhotský, the studio combines innovation and craftsmanship, executing both its own designs and projects for leading global artists. In Pelechov, near Železný Brod, unique technologies and processes rooted in the pioneering works of Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský are employed. The glassworks aims to maintain high standards and preserve the tradition of Czech melted glass. More at Lhotsky.cz.
Zdeněk Lhotský is a renowned Czech glass artist and innovator specializing in the technique of melted glass. He studied at the Academy of Art, Architecture, and Design in Prague under Stanislav Libenský and has led the glassworks in Pelechov since 1994, known for its intricate glass sculptures and architectural realizations. Under his leadership, the studio has become an international center for custom glassworks, including monumental projects such as the glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family. Lhotský has also created innovative materials such as Vitrucell, and his works push the boundaries of glass art by combining technological innovations with aesthetic precision. His works are exhibited worldwide and are part of prestigious collections, confirming his significant influence on contemporary glass art.
Lucie Švitorková is a technological specialist in melted glass, working at Zdeněk Lhotský's glassworks in Pelechov. Her work includes comprehensive mold preparation, managing the melting of glass, and the precise control of cooling processes, which are crucial for the final quality of the works. With her expert knowledge and experience, she contributes to the realization of technically and aesthetically demanding projects, including commissions for internationally renowned artists and designers. Her contribution lies in the meticulous craftsmanship of details and her innovative approach to solving challenges when working with unique materials, allowing the glassworks to achieve exceptional levels in contemporary glass art.
The glassworks of Vladimíra Klumpar and her son Mathyaš Pavlik focus on the unique artistic processing of glass, especially through the technique of melting. Klumpar works on abstract sculptures that combine graceful lines with the robust mass of glass, while Pavlík focuses on the technical aspects of implementing these demanding works. Together, they create unique glass objects that captivate with their color, structure, and light effects.
Jiří Šín, a Czech glassmaker and founder of Sin Studio, specializes in melting glass in closed molds and creating unique design and artistic objects. He has earned a reputation for his innovative Vitrum Vivum technology.
The Technology for molten glass in artistic work
The preparation starts with the creation of a model of the object / sculpture as a 3D volume, most often using sculpting clay (though polystyrene or other materials are equally possible). Then, the model is surrounded with a special mixture with a plaster base, producing the mould with a negative relief inside, into which the melted glass is later poured. Often, the mould is divided into sections for better ease in handling because of the mass; for larger pieces, the glass can be reinforced by inserting iron rods or netting. Before it is placed in the furnace, the form must be completely dried with no trace of water remaining. Pre-prepared pieces of cold glass are placed in the dry mould, which is then heated for a long period (days, sometimes weeks or even months) until the glass inside begins to melt and fills all the areas inside, even the smallest crevices. In the next phase, the temperature is gradually lowered so that the hot glass inside the mould can slowly cool, stiffen, and eventually harden. Cooling the glass needs to be taken slowly to avoid internal tensions arising in the glass and then causing the object to crack. When the cooling is finished, the mould is removed and the glass, once outside of it, is usually further worked through grinding, polishing, matting, etc.
The technological process is highly demanding and expensive, requiring great experience and practice from the artist, since each sculpted shape, or each type or colour of glass, reacts differently, so that the timeframe and procedure for melting and cooling has to be set individually for each casting. The first artists to use this method were Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová for their designs of large glass objects installed as architectural elements. It was, in fact, Jaroslava Brychtová who in 1954 created a specialised workshop, entitled “Glass in Architecture”, as an expert division of the Železnobrodské sklo glassworks. Located in the village of Pelechov near Železný Brod, the workshop developed and furthered the technology described above. Since 1994, under the name of Studio Pelechov, it has been managed (and is now owned) by its chief designer Zdeněk Lhotský; in addition to the studio’s own designs, he and his team also realise on commission the designs of other glass artists. In the field of molten-glass sculpture, Czech artists and designers are among the world’s best, with several of them moulding the objects in their own studios.
source of the text with thanks:
prof. PhDr. Sylva Petrová, UpM
As part of the Glass Soul exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, forms and methods of the technology of fused sculpture were presented for the purpose of education and awareness, specifically with the works of the artist Vladimír 518.
Come to the workshop with us!
We offer you a unique and exclusive opportunity to visit the glassworks and other workshops where our exceptional objects are created. This experience will give you an insight into the creative process of our artists and show you how true works of art are born.
During this exclusive journey, you will have the chance to meet the artists, observe their work in real-time, and learn more about the techniques and inspirations that guide them. In the workshops, you can draw inspiration, view the original methods, and even take away your own hands-on experience in the creation process.
This offer is for those who want to experience something truly special. Join us and discover the magic of art right where it is made. We look forward to your participation!
Photo: Lhotský Glassworks