Pavel PÁNEK

He began his professional career at the Secondary School of Glassmaking in Železný Brod, where he studied under the guidance of the respected glass artist Břetislav Novák. The school was known at the time for its focus on experimentation and a creative approach to glassmaking, which sparked a passion for glass artistry in young Pánek. After completing his studies, he briefly taught before accepting a position as a designer in 1969 at Sklo Union in Teplice, where he worked until 1995.

One of his first designs was a vase with bands formed by small beads, representing a significant shift from typical production. This vase not only pushed the boundaries of technology but also explored new possibilities for structure and decoration, drawing significant attention from experts. Pánek's work was characterized by playfulness and a modern approach, giving his pieces a futuristic feel that revitalized the traditional direction of Czech glass.

Among his most renowned works is the Boutique set, which achieved considerable commercial success and became especially popular on the export market, similar to the Praha set by another prominent designer, Adolf Matura. The Boutique set earned the Die Gute Industrieform award at the Hannover Fair in 1974, which recognized the originality and technological execution of works created by pressing a chamotte model into a mold, maintaining Pánek's distinctive artistic signature.

Pánek constantly experimented with other techniques, including ringless pressing, a challenging and bold approach at the time. Using this method, he created vases with irregular shapes for the glassworks in Libochovice, emphasizing his goal of pushing the aesthetic and functional boundaries of glass objects. Among his most famous figurines are the glass figures of a ram, a capricorn, and a fallow deer, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail.

An interesting aspect of Pánek's work was his inspiration from Scandinavian design. His creations often featured natural motifs and textured surfaces—rough textures and patterns reminiscent of icy or natural formations, which was rare in Czech applied art at the time.

A standout piece was the Cibulák collection, where he drew on traditional porcelain decoration and translated its elements into glass structures. This innovative approach demonstrated how traditional aesthetics could be transformed into a modern glass medium and appeal to a wide audience.

Pavel Pánek passed away unexpectedly in 2008, leaving behind an extensive collection of glass works that testify to his exceptional skill in innovation and his deep understanding of the glassmaking craft.

Pavel Pánek - catalog