Rosice
The glassworks in Rosice, established in 1921, became renowned for its diverse production of glass products. Throughout its history, it underwent numerous transformations and innovations, with prominent designers like Jiří Brabec and Vladislav Urban contributing to its unique style.
The glassworks in Rosice, founded in 1921, has a rich history and a significant place in the glass industry. The first furnace was fired on March 1, 1921. The factory was operated by the company Rosické sklárne v Brne – Rossitzer Glasshüttenwerke A. G. In the initial months of production, 77 workers were employed, creating a wide range of glass products, from cut sugar bowls to packaging bottles. Rosice produced items made from high-quality crystal, as well as colored glass in various shades.
Although the glassworks faced challenges such as the Great Depression, production was revitalized under new ownership, including exports. In the 1930s, the glassworks expanded to 200 employees and went through several transformations. By 1950, it employed 332 workers.
Following a reorganization in 1965, the glassworks was managed under the name Sklo Union. That same year, a focus on hand-pressed glass became the primary production program of the glassworks.
The Rosice glassworks became an integral part of the new concept of Czech pressed glass. In this workshop, we encounter renowned creators specializing in pressed glass, each contributing unique designs that reinforce the glassworks' identity and design profile. During the first stage, notable artists included Jitka Forejtová, František Zemek, Jozef Soukup, Miloš Filip, Jiří Zejmon, and Václav Hanuš. The second stage, which introduced not only new techniques but also innovative approaches, showcased designs by Vladislav Urban and František Vízner. Among the mainstays who contributed to the development of design were Adolf Matura, Rudolf Jurnikl, Vratislav Šotola, and Pavel Pánek.
One of the key figures who influenced the design and development of products in Rosice was Jiří Brabec. His career at the glassworks began in the 1960s, and over eleven years, he designed many unique products. Brabec was known for his ability to transform symmetrical patterns into freely composed reliefs, becoming famous for his favored spiral motif. His innovations, including a pressing technique without a ring, opened up new possibilities in glass design and pushed the boundaries of traditional glassmaking craftsmanship. This approach allowed for freer edge finishes, giving the products a more dynamic and modern appearance.
In 1990, the glassworks was acquired by CRYSTALEX, but in the following years, production and employment declined, and the operation in Rosice was definitively closed in 1996.
