Jurnikl Rudolf master and prolific designer Sklo Union mid 20thCentury and an accomplished one at that.

Once again the basis of this blog is taken from the book Art Before Industry by Marcus Newhall which with its CD gives a brief history of Rudolf Jurnikl....Link..Book and CD
Other resources may be found in the Glass Revue catalogues which are extremely hard to find in the public domain and yet most libraries carry the many years of production. So it was a rainy day that pushed me into spending lots of time perusing these and it was quite some fun as there is so much more that one learns from all the individual reports of the time.
One particular piece designed by him has caught my attention and that is the vase depicted here...

pattern 984 for Rosice and again for Rudolfova hut.,being one of his first commercial designs. These i have found in three different color ways. Clear,Amber and a striking blue all in the same size and as far as i am aware there was only one size in this design. It has a raised bead decoration and when light is thrown on the vase it explodes with reflection and even more so when it is filled with water.It seems to expand the beads and gives it a deeper feeling than it actually is.
These are not readily available in the market place so hunting one down is exciting.
In the following years Jurnikl was to become a prolific designer where many new designs would capture the publics imagination. The hobnail design must have being extremely popular as these are available and mostly in flint glass whereas the color range is more sought after. In Switzerland the publics taste was more for clear glass objects and this covers most designs as they are readily found.

Being aware that these designs are pressed glass of a very high standard they look like blown pieces and many of the traders would swear that they are not of the pressed glass variety. One telling me that it had belonged to her mother who is 70 years old, which means little,and she had travelled to Venice where she had purchased it from a Murano factory. Yeah well at the price she was asking there was no persuading otherwise but did spur me on thinking...wow if all thought the same i am onto a good thing here. I guess that the serious and well informed collectors would know a whole lot better. Going back later in the day i noticed that the vase was sold and she delighted in telling me she had got her price...stunning...now all i had to do was find another ten of her buyers.
Lens vases and jardiniers were also a great design with the so called hobnail following close behind
Thus far i found the lens objects only in clear glass as i guess this color way showed off its effect to the best, whereas the hobnail design comes in various colors.
Another important design for Jurnikl was to be his Osaka vase depicted here....

it had previously been named Slunce but after an exhibition in Japan in the 70`s it was named as Osaka by... i guess... the clever marking department. Always good to give the public that which they would hold dear and thats wise marketing...i guess! There is a very rare example of this vase to be found...if u are lucky enough...but then buy the book and find out what technique they used.
Another favorite and desirable design is that called `Iceberg`which can be found in many different pieces...vases candlesticks and so on.
Ashtrays and candlesticks by Jurnikl are found frequently and i have many examples in various colors.
To say the least this man brought to the market place some of the best designs and other than one other designer, Matura, where he had more designs exhibited than his fellow glass makers.
Should you wish to browse my library of Bohemian designer glass ....go here...Guide

I will follow up the next blog with another famous designer and until then i wish you all happy hunting.

Matura Adolf... master designer Bohemian glass..

When one is looking at a new adventure then may i suggest that one picks up a new book covering the production of Bohemian Designer Glass by Marcus Newhall..................Art Before Industry.Book
This is a manual with a CD that shows pictures, sketches ,sizes and pattern numbers that span the master designers form the early 20thC through to the late 90“s.
The book is well set out with headings and full details of each designer giving the history of the factories showing who designed which patterns.
Matura's strict form designs are timeless and with no frills and fuss yet they have substance and strength. According to Marcus....Matura produced many designs from the early 60's and one of his stunning designs is the Praha Pattern consisting of more than 25 pieces.
Should you wish to visit the reference library you will find several pieces of the Praha pattern and a recent find turned up as a cake stand which is not shown on the CD. Thats whats so exciting about all this new information that has taken Marcus many years to compile that unknown pieces are out there and just need to be hunted down.
Of the Praha pattern i have quite a number of pieces....one of the favourites is a large punch bowl with the eight glasses. At the moment i am trying to build a dinner service of Praha which displays beautifully. The pieces are of thick glass form and covered in punts..see example..perhaps why they have survived so well although not that easy to find.

Matura had several popular designs which today fetch a great price and really sought after by collectors....but i will leave that with you to discover for yourself in his book.
He experimented with new forms and techniques which proved to be popular at the time and still today collectors search high and low for such pieces.
Another favorite is an ashtray made for Rosice pattern no 983 and i have since found a German ceramic example which possibly shows its high standard of design. Always great when other people copy and follow that which is popular and of good design There are another 8 or so designers who worked over the same period and their items are fully featured in the book and on the CD.
This is going to be the collectables of the future by these great Bohemian Glass Designers and the prices will surely rise in years to come and this is the ideal opportunity to learn more and start collecting whilst the prices are reasonable. There are several that run into the hundreds of dollars and my guess is that the pieces will always be in demand.
Guide and personal collection

Travelling through Normandy was a treat from the usual mountains of delightful Switzerland as the landscape was rather flat with a few hills...ok perhaps the occasional mountain...but then again it was farming land with white cows and lots of cabbage patches.
We headed towards Deauville along the coast with its huge beaches and of course its the playground of the young rich and not that far from Paris. On the way i really wanted to see Omaha Beach....... and all its history as i just love war films merely for the entertainment and not the killing...sounds twisted but then i really gave it no other thought but mere entertainment. Well my visit to the war memorial has changed my mind considerably. On entering the area covered in white crosses there were signs asking for silence and respect where hundreds of people milled around and through the lines of graves.
Turning to see the vast amount of graves i was totally overcome and tears flooded down my face just seeing the extent of death of young and old alike from all denominations. It was just too much to take in and not feel the anger well up that men could be so arrogant in sending others to their grave for their idology`s then on the other side those defending their freedom. I remember seeing pictures many years ago but then it did not have the effect on me but being there on site turned my stomach changing my mind as to what man is all about. Thoughts about whether war is an option where so many suffer for the ideals,greed,arrogance and madness of the maniacs who posture war set off a flood of thoughts of how to circumvent future wars with its suffering. Coming to mind is the horrific massacre in Darfur and many other trouble spots in the world where so called „leaders“ of that nation war with their own people and their neighbours. Here one can make a difference and help change the frightening plight of others...make a difference now
Darfur....
I would suggest that all schools book their pupils to take a trip to the site so that they may experience what i had so that they may know what the future holds for them if they take no action against these war mongers. Yeah i can rant on but i wish for world peace and stability where all men can live free without the wars and genocides that have swept the nations.
Deauville was to be the highlight of the trip where we were staying for a couple of nights and to walk along the magnificent beach also discovering the main shopping area sporting all the top fashion brands shop after shop including those making my favorite crepes. A warning to those ordering crepes....make sure that u choose one where they make your crepe fresh on the spot...i had one who whisked one out the fridge,perhaps from yesterday,putting it in the microwave and then wrapped it in tin foil. Why tin foil...well when i had it in my hand this thing flopped forward and tasted disgusting so i dumped it in her dustbin....that she had the cheek to charge for that...foolish me paying for it.
Here we arrived at the fabulous La Barriere 5 star hotel where the service was par excellence with staff like hot and cold running water...... Hot service but being cool when needed...neat hey! The ladies on reception were wonderful and made our stay something to remember as they went out of their way to service our needs...not that we asked much but then there was a story....lets leave it there...all good mind you.
The room booked by my partner was luxurious and the bathroom was large enough to swing a cow and the bed...enormous..and other thoughts jumped to mind...this is where it all started. Hold the bathroom thought. Well show me a good bed and i turn into something else....grrrrr. Whisked off for a walk along the beach to witness the warm and sunset where i collected seashells of all sorts, unusual yes as i have not done that in 50 years but hey had fun as i had in mind to make seashell covered xmas gifts for friends and family...just to see that look on their faces...after all things are tight and a hand made gift...tongue in cheek. Then back to that bathroom.....smile...where the bathroom invited some hot steamy sex...did i just say that...... Here we felt rather all French cuisine`d out and opted for a burger of some sorts...can you imagine being in Beaumont and eating a hamburger but then this was no ordinary hamburger as it was huge and like nothing else i had tasted before in a hamburger.
Lazy days spent walking aound and a great market in the centre of the town where i headed straight for the stall selling a large variety of sweet patisserie`s ,my sweet tooth took me to some other shops where i guzzled some other tasty bits.
It was time to leave and we headed off the the infamous Mont Saint-Michel...an Abbey..here is a link .....Abbey
To say the least this Abbey was stunning and conjured up so many thoughts as the entire place was seductive and full of history. Took so many pictures as the architecture was really to be marveled at as the rooms were voluminous with huge stone blocks and they all had to be carried up to the top of this hill one by one,...i guess.... The sunset was amazing with the receded waters leaving a shining glimmer of water around the Abbey where we stayed for one night. The hotel was up a narrow alley and rather ordinaire ....after Deauville...but then again we wanted to stay in the Abbey and all was fully booked and we were fortunate to find a room......
Time to leave and we set off home with a long drive ahead....9 hours later the Swiss border.

We continued our trip leaving Dieppe and heading further up the coast to our next destination filled with excitement as we passed through many smaller towns which were amazingly clean and the streets decorated with flower boxes and hanging baskets...just so pretty!
The country side was farmning after farming and charming at that with the large houses sitting far back in the landscape giving a feeling of staring at a painting by some master or other. We had not booked for this bed and breakfast but then set out to find it and hopefully find a bed that was comfortable. Well its rather tucked away down an alley and it took us several minutes to find it...we passed it three times...eeegh..well its entrance looks so ordinaire ...a large wooden door that looks like a private drive in with simply a small number showing.
Here we met the owner who welcomed us with a big smile and so friendly. We viewed the room available and decided....yes yes...and immediately settled in before taking a wonderful walk along the boardwalk sea front.
Jon,the owner gave us excellent advice of where to eat and went out of his way to do the bookings as these are small popular and well run restaurants. Great food and atmosphere and well priced.
So we had arrived in Etretat along the coastline tucked away in a valley with large white cliffs on either side and views that took your breath away in all directions. The bed and breakfast....Jardin Gorbeau...linkbed and breakfast
is run by two wonderful hosts that went out of their way and my partner then suggested that we stay over for three nights sit back and relax...a excellent decision as we had time to do just that as there is not much to do on the beach front unless one likes swimming in the freezing waters...and there were quite a few oldies doing just that. One can hire canoes and other vessels...did not see and luxury yachts...to travel the waterways and through the needle on one side of the coast....here


The cliffs drew you to the top were the views were never ending and there is also a golf course which is at the top of the cliff...here we had a super dinner...booked by our host...and we were rather lucky as they arranged a table for us in a fully booked restaurant...now thats connections for u. The food was superb and reasonable prices...here i must mention that the prices of the wines are rather expensive...in the village one can buy good wines for quarter of the price being asked in the restaurants...guess thats where they make their money.
Our last evening was spent at the dinner table of the host who served the most delicious duck and here i must not forget the aperitif ...a must to have...and this aperitif can be ordered for sure...just delicious and could have had a second one...yummy.
Relax in the picturesque garden and dare to pluck pears from the trees....very tranquil and a great place to lay back and do simply nothing...well Philippe would say ..read a book man.
Out time had come to move on and i had a sneaky feeling that i was about to be spoilt at the next stop but then again i had to be patient...but remained silent.
Our next stop further up the coast in direction Mont Saint-Michel........next blog.

Just arrived back from a short visit to Normandy France and what a pleasant surprise as i had other ideas of the area. Our first stop was in Nancy where we stayed over for two nights as i wanted to visit both the Daum and Galle museums. Really great stuff and so much of it...shapes designs sizes and colors displayed in the Daum museum and well worth the visit...here we were not allowed to take pics and of course all the books for sale in French. Next came the <Galle museum which was jaw dropping not only featuring glass but textiles furniture and porcelain all being Galle designs.
The museum was built early 20thC as a showcase for all the works celebrating the master craftmanship of Galle himself. The dinning room setting includes a wooden ceiling with all the original light fittings textiles and furniture...really fab and must have been a glorious time...providing u had the money!! A small outside building used as a meditation area containing several fish tanks and a staircase to the top to view the surrounding area all set in woodlands. Nil fish and little forest left but then one gets the idea of what it had truly been like. Here i purchased a book...in French...as it was the lastest and good to have.
Off to a local shop crammed with Daum and Galle and other designer French glass ...no prices displayed but then if one is not shy all u have to do is ask forty or so prices...if u had the guts and it all had to be in French.
Here we met a young man in his early twenties who seemed to be a cool fanatic as he spoke to us in English about the various techniques of Galle...reminded me of a friend in SA who looks like a grown cherub...and so keen and polite.
Our first French Dinner was at a local restaurant in a small alley filled with customers buzzing in French and this is where i said...here we eat...they all cant be wrong. Well the meal was delicious and some of the best pate that i had on the entire trip. The dessert was outstanding...arrived on a large dinner plate...with 9 different desserts...very small portions but oh my goodness did each have its own great flavor. One being a white mousse was devastatingly sweet and made your taste buds kick back...but we ate it all washed down with champagne....and then strangely enough a good coffee and why i say that as the French do not make a strong coffee.
The next day we strolled the streets and found one Broccante and what a disappointment as the goods were quite ordinaire and at Euro prices!! just daft. Then came the Markethalle which was a real treat...crammed with stalls selling all sorts of goodies....cakes cakes...yummmy...fish of course in may varieties and fresh vegetables. I was astonished how cheap these were and now know that the <French must eat very well indeed...the sweet goodies were tantalising and could not resist parting with some Euros. The Square of Nancy is absolutely stunning with all the gilded figures and huge gates ....four of them serving as entrances to the square and lots of restaurants to choose from.

Here is a recnt find..it stands 40cm high and a super piece.....
Here are two links to both museums...


Daum......Museum
Galle.....museum


We then set off to visit Dieppe a large port which also has a great museum of carved Ivories and surprisingly a small collection of glass by Maurice Marniot.
Museum Dieppe.......
City pic......

Stayed overnight and had a terrible meal at a local restaurant which was recommended by a local. We really felt not so good the following day but then set off to our next town not knowing what it may be like but hey this was an adventure of sorts. The next town was a delight and i will suggest that if u are going this way and time there is a secret bed and breakfast that i can truly recommend. See my next blog entry for this delightful town and its peoples as well as a visit to Mon St Michel.

Just back from a whirlwind trip to Prague and the glass museums in the country side.Just beyond all my expectations all that magnificent glass showcased in places that are hours outside Prague which i feel is a great pity as many people would not travel that far in two different directions.The kindest man i have met in years schlepted me to the well know museums such as ....
Museum of glass and Jewellery in Jablonec....Museum Zelezny Brod...Glass Museum Harrachov...and then discovered a stunning little workshop that specializes in minatures and loads upon loads of beads.Watching a young lady do her thing and although repetitive they all turned out perfect and i felt i wanted to buy it all and here i must say that the price was next to nothing.
We were then referred to another man who did glass figures to order and he would whip up a figure for u in a matter of hours and they were just amazing...not cheap but then its a one off if its your own idea.
So Jindrich drove me from end to end at speeds that would have most people pee in their pants but i hung in there so that i could experience first hand all this manificent glass going back many many years to present day designs.Vizner was well represented and I was rather thrilled to see close up these clean timeless pieces that are so highly sought after....makes one drool...and then a flick of the head and carried on with what i had set out to do....take photograps if possible...to my graet surprise each museum kindly gave us permission and i took over 700 photographs showing the entire collections...so time for others to drool.(hehe)
At one museum we met the director who took time with us answering questions and he has a new book out...its in Czech language only...sadly ...but a stunner! He has a Phd and handed a copy over as a gift.
Such wonderful people all in all and very kind indeed.On the way back from one museum i was shown where Mr.Vizner lives and whilst driving through his village we stopped at a secondhand shop....and guess what...i found this great piece by the master himself...costing a pittance...ironic that i would find one of his great designs in his village !! Shocking he would say but hey i was lucky as Jindrich made a beeline for some other glass and i was able to discover this piece on another shelf.

So came back home loaded up with designer glass.....some not that cheap but then again find another piece.Visit my reference library which displays Designer Bohemian pressed glass which is so exciting with exoctic shapes and brilliant colors
library
How much of Prague did i get to see...very little in fact but then again the square was most important where i took these pictures.....


Oh and a warning should u need a loo in central Prague....make a beeline for a hotel or restaurant as the public facilities are the remnants of the communist era and so are the staff.....screaming grumpy and down right rude and here i must add it was at least clean...before u enter the loo be sure to check for loo paper as this hangs outside her glass cabin and should u take too much she yells at you.
A wench from hell ...but as she did not understand English i kindly told her to sit down relax and have another Vodka.
Its great to be back home in the land of mountains chocolates and good food.So the quest has been extended and a new venture in hot worked pieces will also be collected and at a later stage i will form a directory of the found pieces which i hope will delight and tittilate all interested parties.
If you are looking for something special drop us a line and we wil search for you and perhaps you would like to visit our shop which is in Saas Graubuden which is loaded with treasures from around the world.
Have fun.
shop