Modern Optical Glass Sculpture ‘Big Ben’ by Jaroslav Svoboda

Impressionist modern optical glass sculpture set entitled ‘Big Ben’ from one of the greatest Czech glass masters alive, with over 50 years of experience in glass art.

The piece is shaped like Cleopatra’s Needle, with an eyelet that evokes the face of Parliament’s famous timepiece.

At over 60 cm tall it will certainly make its presence felt in your home or office.

Modern Optical Glass Sculpture – Artist

Jaroslav Svoboda artist, born in 1938 in Zelezny Brod, Czech Republic. He is a distinguished Czech artist renowned for his innovative techniques and artistic mastery in glasswork. His career spans more than five decades, during which he has significantly impacted contemporary glass art through his many artisanal contributions.

Svoboda began his education at the Secondary School of Glassmaking in Železný Brod, which laid the foundation for his future artistic endeavours. He further honed his skills and expanded his knowledge at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague, where he studied under the tutelage and guidance of prominent glass artists such as the renowned Stanislav Libenský.

In the early 1960s, Svoboda became part of the Crystalex glassworks in Nový Bor, a pivotal period that saw the development of his signature style. His work is characterized by clean lines, dynamic forms, and a mastery of both blown and cast glass techniques. Svoboda’s pieces often explore the interplay of light and transparency, creating visually striking and emotionally evocative works.

One of Svoboda’s significant achievements was the founding of the Glass Studio Svoboda in Karlov, near Žďár nad Sázavou, in 1990. This studio has become a centre for innovative glass design and production, attracting artists and collectors worldwide. The studio is noted for producing functional glassware and artistic sculptures that push the boundaries of the medium.

Svoboda’s work has been exhibited extensively in international galleries and museums, including the Corning Museum of Glass in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the International Exhibition of Glass in Jablonec nad Nisou and recognition from the Czech Glass Society.

Through his dedication and artistic vision, Jaroslav has left an indelible mark on the world of glass art, influencing generations of artists and expanding the possibilities of glass as an expressive medium. Jaroslav Svoboda glass artist’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of contemporary glass art.