Optics, decorative and utility glass

The tradition of glassmaking in the region of the Lusatian and Jizera Mountains has historically been aided by favourable conditions. The key feature was enough wood for glass furnaces, above all. In modern times, the inhabitants of the mountains began to focus more on glass refining and trade than on raw material production. Famous trading companies were born, operating in various forms to this day. Let us mention, for example, Preciosa and Crystalex, both created by the post-war merger of local glassworks or the famous (sic) Moser in Karlovy Vary, closely cooperating with glass artists and craftsmen from Nový Bor district. Among others, the design glass company Lasvit is gaining a huge reputation in the world.

The close connection between glassmaking and design plays an important role in the industry. There are manufacturers of designer glass jewellery, lighting fixtures and their components in the region. The glassmaking industry further combines knowledge of glass, optics and optoelectronics. The production and use of technical glass are on the rise. The knowledge is also applied in the field of jewellery, such as grinding semi-precious stones. The sector consists of both significant research capacities, well-represented small, medium and large companies, and traditional glassmaking high schools. Glass also has its place in the field of design at the Technical University of Liberec at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Glass Machinery and at the Faculty of Textiles.

In the last decade, Liberec Region has been looking for opportunities to connect glassmaking and tourism. The Crystal Valley regional brand has been established. It presents our family silver, the tradition and the present of glassmaking craft to the general public in the region and throughout the Czech Republic.

Thanks to this craft, we can boast one unusual statistical primacy. Liberec Region has the highest density of glassmakers per capita in the world. The production of handmade Christmas decorations from glass blown beads, which can be found in Poniklá, a village at the foot of the Giant Mountains, has recently been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You would find many glassmaking bests in the region. You just need to keep your eyes wide open.