Fused glass
Traditional Glassmaking Technology
Fused Glass as Both Art and Craft
Fused glass sculptures / mold-cast glass represent a unique and exceptionally demanding technology that requires in-depth knowledge, experience, and precision. The process begins with creating a model, casting the mold, and then gradual melting of the glass, which takes weeks or months. Slowly controlled cooling ensures the object’s durability, while every detail of the mold is carefully crafted. The technique requires a perfect harmony of art and craftsmanship. Any error during production can mean having to start the entire process over. Thanks to this uniqueness, Czech glassmakers rank among the world’s best. In the hands of pioneers such as Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský, molten glass was transformed into a distinct artistic discipline. Today, their legacy lives on, and the art of glass melting continues to inspire contemporary artists to create unique works of art.
The Lhotský Glassworks, founded in 1994, continues a long tradition of Czech glassmaking and is internationally renowned for its production of fused glass sculptures. Under the leadership of Zdeněk Lhotský, the studio combines innovation with artisanal precision, bringing to life both its own designs and projects by leading international artists. In Pelechov near Železný Brod, the studio employs unique technologies and processes whose roots trace back to the pioneering works of Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský. The glassworks aims to preserve the high standards and tradition of Czech fused glass. Learn more at Lhotsky.cz.
Zdeněk Lhotský is a renowned Czech glass artist and innovator who specializes in the fused glass technique. He graduated from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague under Stanislav Libenský and has been running the glass studio in Pelechov since 1994, known for its intricate glass sculptures and architectural installations. Under his leadership, the studio has become an international center for the custom production of glass works, including monumental projects such as a glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family. Lhotský is also the creator of innovative materials such as Vitrucell, and his work pushes the boundaries of glass art by combining technological innovation with aesthetic precision. His works are exhibited around the world and are part of the collections of prestigious institutions, confirming his significant influence on contemporary glass art.
Lucie Švitorková is a technology specialist in the field of molten glasswho works at Zdeněk Lhotský’s glassworks in Pelechov. Her work includes comprehensive mold preparation, managing the glass melting process, and precise control of cooling processes, which are crucial to the final quality of the pieces. Thanks to her expertise and experience, she contributes to the realization of technically and aesthetically demanding projects, including commissions for world-renowned artists and designers. Her contribution lies in her meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to addressing challenges when working with unique materials, which enables the glassworks to achieve exceptional standards in the field of contemporary glass art.
The glass studio run by Vladimíra Klumpar and her son Mathyas Pavlik specializes in unique artistic glasswork, primarily using the fusing technique. Klumpar creates abstract sculptures that combine graceful lines with the robust mass of glass, while Pavlík focuses on the technical aspects of creating these challenging works. Together, they create unique glass objects that captivate with their color, texture, and light effects.
Jiří Šín, a Czech glass artist and founder of Sin Studio, specializes in melting glass in closed molds and the creation of unique design and art objects. He has built a reputation thanks to his innovative technology Vitrum Vivum.
Manufacturing Process
Fused Glass Technology in Art Practice
The process begins with creating a 3D model of the object or sculpture, most often using sculpting clay (polystyrene or other materials can also be used). The model is then cast in a special plaster-based mixture, i.e., a mold with a negative relief on the inside is created, in which the glass is then melted. The mold is often divided into sections to make it easier to handle due to its weight; for larger pieces, it is also reinforced with inserted iron rods or mesh. Before being placed in the kiln, the mold is drained of water. Pre-prepared pieces of cold glass are stacked into the dried mold, which is then heated for a long time (days, often weeks, sometimes even months) in the furnaceuntil the glass inside begins to flow and fills all the gaps, even the tiniest ones, inside. In the next phase, the temperature is gradually lowered so that the hot glass inside the mold slowly cools, solidifies, and eventually hardens. Cooling must be gradual to prevent internal stress from developing in the glass and causing the object to eventually crack. Once the cooling process is complete, the mold is removed, and the glass is usually further processed by grinding, polishing, frosting, etc.
This is a very complex and expensive technologythat requires extensive experience and practice, because every designed shape, type, and color of glass reacts differently , and the melting and cooling curves must be determined individually for each melt. The first to begin using this method were Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová for their designs of large glass structures integrated into architecture. Jaroslava Brychtová therefore founded a production facility in 1950—the specialized workshop “Glass in Architecture” within the Železnobrodské sklo company in Pelechov near Železný Brod. Since 1994, the Pelechov studio has been led (and is now owned) by chief designer Zdeněk Lhotský and, in addition to his own designs, he and his team bring the designs of other artists to life on a commission basis. In the field of cast glass sculpture, Czech artists and designers rank among the world’s best; some cast their pieces in their own studios.
Source of the text, with thanks to: Prof. PhDr. Sylva Petrová, UpM
As part of the Glass Soul exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the forms and techniques of fused glass sculpture were presented for educational and awareness-raising purposes, specifically in the works of artist Vladimir 518.
Craft Tradition
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