The exhibition, which was organized by the Czech Permanent Mission in Geneva and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, was part of the project of renovation of the four Art Deco chandeliers by Jaroslav Horejc and Pavel Janák, renowned Czech artist and architect of the 20th century.

These works of art were donated around 1925 by Czechoslovakia to the International Labour Organization, the owner of the building at that time. Thanks to financial support, among others, by the Government of the Czech Republic, and the perfect mastering of production by Czech glassmakers, they could now once again be completed and returned to the WTO library in their full beauty as almost 100 years ago.

To celebrate successful completion of the project and opening of the exhibition, the inauguration ceremony was held on 26 October in presence of Director General of the WTO Roberto Azevêdo, Deputy Minister Eduard Muřický, from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Ambassador Jan Kára and Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Ms. Helena Koenigsmarková.

The ceremony was also assisted by Preciosa Lighting, the company that was entrusted by renovation and carried part of the cost of this complex operation.

Both events raised interest of diplomatic community, professional circles and the Czech expatriates, and hinted at the wide range of contemporary Czech utility and decorative glassmaking and its centuries-long tradition.

Video from renovation

author: Lenka Šustrová, Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic in Geneva