Colours, elegance and detail: How designer František Jungvirt creates with an appreciation for craftsmanship.

František Jungvirt is one of the most prominent names on the contemporary Czech glass scene. In his work, he brilliantly combines traditional craft techniques with modern and playful aesthetics, creating an unmistakable, easily recognizable signature style. He is the founder and creator of the Jungvirt brand, under which he creates works full of colour, unexpected details, and references to rich glass history. His work, praised by collectors and clients alike, is characterized by an emphasis on quality, detail, and artistic freedom. How does he perceive success, and how is his minimalist personal style reflected in his contrasting yet elegant glass creations?

                     

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Art without compromise: A conversation about freedom, tradition, and inner peace

How would you describe your journey into design and the moment you truly found yourself in it?

I come from Vimperk, where there used to be a small glassworks. Unfortunately, it no longer exists today, but I enjoyed going there as a child. My grandfather, who was a glass cutter, first took me to the glassworks. So I first encountered glass in my hometown, and it was also there that I first tried blowing into a glass pipe. I then started focusing more closely on working with glass at high school in Třeboň, where I studied glass painting. I then got closer to designing shapes and design during my studies at UMPRUM in the Glass Studio.

What does success mean to you?

I often associate success with life shifts and overcoming obstacles. For example, I'm happy that I can fully dedicate myself to a field and a job that I enjoy. Without the support of my parents early in my study years, it would be difficult for me to work with glass at all. One should constantly move forward in life, and that is what I strive for. I still have unfulfilled dreams and places to move to, so I believe I will overcome some more obstacles and experience both success and failure.

Looking back, what moments do you consider turning points – those that shaped you professionally and personally?

In my creation, a certain freedom and artistic liberty are important to me, allowing me to create new concepts and designs. I have collaborations with companies, brands, and various institutions and individuals behind me, but also experience leading my own studio. The experiences from various collaborations helped me a lot in my direction, as did feedback from curators, collectors, and my clients and colleagues. In recent years, increased demand for limited and hand-painted pieces, collector's items, has also helped me, giving me confidence and courage to create more complex and experimental works. Now I dedicate myself only to my own projects and creation under the eponymous brand frantisekjungvirt.

Your signature is easily recognizable. How would you describe your personal style – in design, in life, and in how you dress?

In my work, I like to work with colours and traditional references to Czech glassmaking. My design work is characterized by playing with shapes, but also by hand-painted and traditionally formed motifs. Besides designing utilitarian objects, I devote myself to creating art objects, installations, and limited series made of glass. My portfolio includes design vases intended for everyday use and art objects full of fantasy and stories. Personally, I don't try to draw much attention to myself; I let my works and my work speak rather than myself. In clothing, I am less colourful. My wardrobe mostly consists of black and earthy tones, which I complement with subtle accents of colour or white in the form of accessories. I like to wear stylishly simple and elegant clothes.

What is your relationship with clothing? Do you perceive it more as a functional object, a means of self-expression, or another layer of design that complements your personality? And is fashion for you more a part of visual culture, or an intimate dialogue with yourself?

I perceive clothing as an important part of myself and also of the profession. It is important to me that it serves well not only visually but also functionally.

Which colours, materials, or details best characterize you? Are you closer to natural textures and muted tones, or do you like it when contrast, surprise, or unexpected tension appear in objects?

My wardrobe mostly consists of black and earthy tones. These are often complemented by subtle accents of colour or white in accessories. I like to wear stylishly simple and elegant clothes. Patterns and textures appear exceptionally on my clothes. Although I like stylishly simple and well-cut clothing, I always try to look for some interesting pieces. These are often focused on detail and material.

What environment inspires you most in your work?

I am very interested in the craftsmanship of glass and tradition. I insist that my products are refined not only artistically but also in terms of craftsmanship. I also often reach for themes such as nature, childhood, tradition, religion, and remembrance. So, I am most inspired by what is closest to me, what I am naturally in contact with, what creates experiences and memories within me.

Looking into the future – is there a dream or project you would still like to fulfil?

I want to solidify my brand and expand my team. I increasingly want to focus on individual production, on unique glass objects, and in the future, on lighting fixtures and glass sculptures; I want to explore areas that not so many designers dedicate themselves to. I am working towards having the most demanding clients, who appreciate the artistic and craftsmanship level and the value of the creation I dedicate myself to.

And finally – what three words would best describe you according to yourself?

Minimalism, Detail-orientation, Playfulness

                    

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Quality as a manifesto

The words minimalism, detail-orientation, and playfulness perfectly describe František Jungvirt's work. Although his personal style is elegantly simple and toned, his glass work shows a passion for colour, playing with shapes, and craftsmanship perfection. This slow creation with an emphasis on tradition and handwork is a manifesto of his brand's values. In the future, Jungvirt will focus on unique glass objects, lighting, and sculptures, thus reinforcing his focus on collector's value and artistic level. His work, inspired by inner peace and memories, is a promise of lasting pieces that offer the aesthetic of silence to demanding clients.