Čeština
The IGS Hall of Fame will welcome Petr Novotný this year, unfortunately in memoriam.
Petr Novotný (1952–2024) was a skilled glassmaker, daring entrepreneur, charismatic, and generous person. He had a heart for glass, people, and life. Between 1967 and 1969, he completed his apprenticeship in glassmaking, and then from 1969 to 1972, he attended the Střední průmyslová škola sklářská (Glass School) in Nový Bor. After his military service, he joined the glassworks “Hantich” at the Crystalex factory in Nový Bor.
His skill and fearlessness quickly led him to the workshop of the legendary glass master Josef Rozinek, who brought to life designs by significant glass artists and designers. In the 1980s, Novotný also tried his hand at teaching. He taught young glassmakers at the vocational school and later led numerous courses both in our country and abroad. The combination of his fatherly approach, unwavering desire to take on challenges, mischievous smile, and a gaze that could ignite sparks motivated many people.
He was one of the founders of the Ajeto glassworks, which celebrates a significant anniversary this year. From the beginning, he played an essential role in the glassmaking and civic community around the IGS. Collecting international experience, having contacts, and showing courage, he ensured that the tradition would endure. The symposium held in 1994 under the title Glass Ambitions is retrospectively recognized as the V. IGS. Petr Novotný did what he did best—shrugged his shoulders, decided it needed to be done, and steered the course of the glassmaking world in the right direction.
When in 2009 the glass industry was facing a severe crisis and Crystalex closed its doors, Petr once again rushed to the rescue and significantly contributed to saving the symposium. He helped convince the then town leadership and glass entrepreneurs to take over the organization of the IGS.
His induction into the Hall of Fame only confirms what most of us have long known: he was an essential part of the Nový Bor community, and many legends of the global glass world came to the Czech Republic and Nový Bor because of him. In photographs from every IGS since its inception, you will always find Petr Novotný. We will remember him with folded hands and an attentive gaze, his characteristic smile, or most frequently, with a glassblower’s pipe.
Petr loved life. He loved people and engaging in discussions with them. He was proud, yet he possessed generosity and perspective. He truly inspired many of us. His life was rich and fulfilling. It’s a shame that he didn’t get to enjoy his induction into the IGS Hall of Fame as he wished and deserved—with laughter, beer, and among his friends and fellow glassmakers.
Mgr. Eliška Vavříčková, IGS 2024 Curator
