Bridging old and new

Initially František intended to be a trumpet player
He works with famous brands including Moser and Preciosa
His father was a carpenter, his grandfather a glassworker

The stimulating flood of colours, motifs and techniques in František Jungvirt's work leaves viewers astonished; every piece is a demonstration of his singular creative power, which draws on both tradition and innovation. "I usually return to the most typical legacy of Czech glassmaking, filling it with new impulses. I try to push the technical and visual limits of the field," he says. Handcrafted paintings of folklore and natural motifs take turns with robotic airbrushing, resulting in a diverse range of work. Some pieces seem to delight in common, almost kitsch elements, others appear to break the rules. All of it is soaked in humility, something František learned from his favourite glassmaker, his grandfather.

František Jungvirt is a master artisan: he began his career in 2011 and he started teaching in 2016

Discover his work

Discover his work

Still Life – Fruits and Animals

Decal vase

Birth of the Future Behind Glass

Fleur Blanche

Merano Pop

INTERVIEW

Yes, I learned the basics at high school, and my grandfather was a glassworker who showed me a lot of things. So sometimes I employ these methods too. But I was always more attracted to creative work – that's why I chose glass painting, not glassmaking.

Indeed. Yet my craft specialisation is classic or experimental painting and enamelling. I make a point of being precise and detailed in my handcrafted work. That led me to develop special paints which don't have to be fired in a kiln and can be fluorescent.

I respect and use traditional methods, trying to preserve them and shift them into the present day. I combine them with modern technologies too; I may use patterns from my grandmother's porcelain but in bold colours, or spray trickles of paint on cut lead glass.

I blew my first piece with my grandfather. For two years, I had a workshop at his home. He used to advise and supervise me while telling me stories about various glassworks. He taught me humility and patience.