Crafty and artistic: Witness the story of Czech glass at this exhibition in Mumbai

Czech glass is known throughout the world for its craftsmanship and artistic qualities. And soon it will be on display in Mumbai, courtesy the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Czech Trade Agency.
The Embassy is hosting a Bohemia crystal glass exhibition, The Story of Czech Glass, on November 28 (Thursday) that will showcase pieces by local glassworks companies from the country. The works of Czech glass artists Robert Halama and Jiri Pacenik will be on display at the Sunville Banquets and Conference in Worli, Mumbai.

Art glass, handmade-blown engraved glass and exclusive examples of modern design glass will also be part of the exhibition. Dermacol cosmetics hyaluronic acid therapy will conclude the presentation on the day.

Shining moment

Agencies

Milan Hovorka, the Ambassador of Czech Republic in India, the organizers of the exhibition in Mumbai.

Halama is the owner of Halama Glass, a company founded by the enterprising Frantisek Halama in the 1930s. The company specialises in handmade, branded, engraved and grind glass. Halama’s works include a crystal dagger for the King of Malaysia, a crystal golf club for the President of Tatarstan and a Bethlehem glass statuette for Pope Benedict XVI.

Pacenik is a student of Czech Republic’s famous and flamboyant glass maker, the late Borek Sipek. With a studio in Nový Bor, he teaches students and produces his own glass works. Several of his creations are housed in museums around the world. He has also presented the Queen Mother of Bhutan with a glass chandelier for the royal palace.

The event is being hosted by the Ambassador of Czech Republic in India, Milan Hovorka, who is based in New Delhi. Prior to this, Hovorka was the deputy minister of trade and industry in the Czech Republic. He is in his fifth years as ambassador in the region.

Showcasing art

Agencies

A few years ago, Rashmi Jolly, who has been the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic for Maharashtra and Goa, brought the Czech Philharmonic to Mumbai for the first time in 57 years.

This is not the first time that Czech art is being showcased in the city. A few years ago, Rashmi Jolly, who has been the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic for Maharashtra and Goa, brought the Czech Philharmonic to Mumbai for the first time in 57 years.

Two years later, a second performance was held in Mumbai followed by one in Goa. Piano recitals have also been organised on a number of occasions. A leading Czech fashion designer showcased 50 outfits in a fashion show last year. All these were organised by the joint efforts of the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic, along with the Czech Trade Agency.

Jolly, who is also an avid art collector, has done her Masters Diploma in Art History from the British Museum in London. She is the former president of the Indian Merchants Chamber Ladies Wing as well as the executive director and vice-chairperson of Jolly Board Ltd.

The Story of Czech Glass will be on display on November 28 at Sunville Banquets and Conference, 9 Dr Annie Besant Rd, Siddharth Nagar, Worli, Mumbai.