Glass Mavericks: Young Czech Designers to Watch in 2025
Czech Glassmaking: Tradition Redefined by a New Generation
Czech glassmaking has a long and fascinating history, but today, its face is being reshaped by a new generation of young designers who are pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. These talented artists are transforming glass from a mere material into a medium for storytelling, emotional expression, and entirely new aesthetic experiences. Meet five young designers who are redefining Czech glassmaking and breathing fresh air into this traditional Czech craft.
Dominika Petrtýlová
In her hands, glass becomes poetry that resonates with the rhythm of the modern world. Dominika Petrtýlová pushes the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship, boldly combining glass with unconventional materials such as carbon, plastic, and bronze. The result is works that captivate with aesthetic sophistication while provoking deeper questions about the symbiosis of technology, nature, and art. Her inspiration stems from her fascination with urban life, pop culture, art history, and architecture. For Dominika, the creative process is a personal ritual—she imbues each piece with a part of herself. Her sensitive approach and innovative techniques redefine the perception of glass as not only a material but also a bearer of emotions and contemporary stories. Dive into her playful, colorful world with the Lollypop vase collection, which will brighten both your interior and your soul. For a darker twist, her VANDALVASE collection merges pop culture, urban life, and natural motifs into unconventional glass artifacts.
dominikapetrtylova.com
František Jungvirt
At just 28 years old, František Jungvirt has already achieved significant success and is a recognized figure on the Czech glassmaking scene. His accomplishments in design are reflected in numerous awards and nominations, the latest being the BIG SEE award for his Garden Roots vases in the Product Design category. He is also the recipient of the Josef Hlávka Award for talents under 33 years old. František studied at UMPRUM in Prague under Rony Plesl and collaborated with brands like Moser and Preciosa during his studies. His work often draws on the traditions and history of Czech glass, which he gives a timeless twist. If you come across his work, expect originality, vibrant colors, and unique hand-painted motifs. His portfolio is rich in vases, with his latest collection, Garden Basic, showcasing his signature blend of bold colors and minimalist design.
frantisekjungvirt.com
Anna Martínková
Designing a gift for U.S. President Joe Biden, as Anna Martínková did with her iconic glass Kropenka, is a dream for many young designers. For Anna, this moment was more than just an achievement—it was a catalyst for further exploration of glass as an art form. She transforms glass into unique artifacts that reflect her personal approach and interaction with the material. Each piece is handmade by the artist, making it a one-of-a-kind original. Her work masterfully combines precise craftsmanship with artistic vision. Anna’s portfolio includes the SKVOSTY collection of ritual bowls, a brooch designed for the First Lady, and mesmerizing glass-cut and fused images. Each piece tells its own story—a story of harmony between traditional material and contemporary design, where glass transforms into emotion. Anna Martínková’s artistry proves that beauty can take countless forms, always remaining original and unmistakable.
annamartinkova.com
Tomáš Kučera
Glass sculptor and designer Tomáš Kučera, hailing from Světlá nad Sázavou, works at the intersection of design and fine art. His portfolio includes sculptures for the French-Czech Chamber of Commerce and experimental tables that test technical limits, showcased at Designblok 2024 in the Ploom zone, where he won the Ploom Design Competition. This win led to his work being displayed at the Milan Design Week’s Ploom Red Experience. Fascinated by industrial environments, Kučera sees glassmaking as a fusion of nature and humanity, organic and technical. This perspective earned him the Discovery of the Year award at the 2021 Czech Design Awards. His works stand out for their precision and deep symbolism, where every detail contributes to a larger narrative. His objects connect the raw beauty of nature with the industrial character of glassmaking.
This approach earned him the Discovery of the Year award at the Czech Design Award in 2021. This year, his Vial collection of carafes and glasses (Květná 1794) earned him a nomination for Discovery of the Year 2024 in the prestigious Czech Grand Design competition.
kucera-tomas.com
Hana Vopravilová
The creations of Hana Vopravilová, a student at the Faculty of Art and Design at UJEP in Ústí nad Labem, navigate the line between freeform objects and design. Her authentic pieces capture emotions and stories, often using magical plays of light. Her work blends delicate aesthetics with intimate themes. Inspired by the alchemy of glassmaking processes, she transforms experimental techniques into original art objects. Her focus on alternative glass forms is evident in her PAP collection of vessels, hand-blown into molds made of corrugated cardboard found in Ústí nad Labem. Her project HOW MANY SHAPES DOES A SHAPE HAVE explores the possibilities of wooden glass molds. She presented these works at this year’s Designblok as part of the Leftovers exhibition.
And it was precisely the glass objects Leftover that earned her a nomination for Discovery of the Year 2024 in the prestigious Czech Grand Design awards.
