HISTORY / BIOGRAPHY
One of the world’s finest glassmakers—a man whose life journey is a story of passion,
perseverance, and dedication to traditional Czech craftsmanship.
JIŘÍ PAČINEK | HISTORY | BIOGRAPHY
1972 Litoměřice
Birth
Jiří Pačinek was born in Litoměřice on 3 July 1972.
1972 Litoměřice
1987
Nový Bor Art School
He decided to pursue a career as a glassmaker after watching the television series Synové a dcery Jakuba skláře (The Sons and Daughters of Jakub the Glassmaker) and subsequently visiting a glassworks. He began his studies in the glassmaking program at the Vocational School in Nový Bor in 1987 and graduated with honors.
1990 - 1992
Chřibská Glassworks 1414
After finishing school, he joined the “Chribská1414” glassworks. The company specialised in the production of hand-formed glass.
1990 - 1992
1992 - 1992
AJETO Glassworks
In 1992, he joined the AJETO glassworks (the company was then called ‘Novobor’). There, he worked in Petr Novotný’s glass workshop. Petr Novotný (a pupil of master glassmaker Josef Rozinka) and the Italian Pino Signoretto were Jiří Pačinka’s main role models.
1995
USA - Rochester
In September 1995, Jiří Pačinek travelled to Rochester in the United States for a three-month placement at Leon Applebaum’s glass studio.
1995
1995 - 2007
Master Glassmaker
On his return to his homeland, Jiří Pačinek was appointed master of the glass workshop. Master glassmaker Pačinek worked at the ‘AJETO’ glassworks until 2007.
2007
Glass Studio
In Lindava near Cvikov, where Jiří Pačinek lives in a rustic timber-framed cottage, he converted a former barn into a small glassworks (glass studio) and, together with a few assistants, began creating his own glass art.
2007
2010
Nový Bor Gallery
In 2010, he opened a gallery in Nový Bor.
2015 - present
Glassworks in Kunratice u Cvikova
In nearby Kunratice near Cvikov, Jiří Pačinek has opened a new glassworks on the site of an old, dilapidated building – a former repair workshop. In the loft on the floor above the glassworks itself is a gallery displaying his original glasswork.
2015 - present
2020 - present
Crystal Temple
The creation of the Crystal Cathedral as a unique fusion of sacred space and contemporary glass.
Today
Present
Jiří Pačinek and his team create works for collectors, galleries, the film industry, the world of design, the Vatican and prestigious sporting projects. At the same time, his world of glass opens its doors to visitors every day as a place of creative endeavour, art and exceptional experiences.
Today
