Affordable Luxury for All – The Legacy of Friedrich Egermann

Czech glass is world-famous also due to its constant drive to innovate. It has been blessed with exceptionally gifted glassmakers, technologists and artists who came up with groundbreaking novelties and set the trends. Friedrich Egermann (1777–1864) was an excellent glass painter, inventor and entrepreneur from Nový Bor, who is among the most eminent names in the history of Czech glassmaking.

Although he was born into a family of glassmakers through his mother’s side, his youth was not easy and he had to make his own way throughout his career. He spent his early years in the Meissen porcelain works, where he learned to prepare and mix colors as well as apply and fire them. He then used this know-how for decorating so-called ‘milk glass’ and, in 1809, he was the first to produce milk glass items with a matte finish. Thanks to its high quality, Egermann glass soon became renowned far and wide.

Courage, curiosity and handiwork were also the force behind his other innovations – the yellow (1818) and, most importantly, red lazure which was brought to market in 1832. Thanks to these specific painting techniques, he was able to imitate the topaz glass and the luxurious ruby glass which were very popular at the time. Lazured glass was also easier to decorate by cutting and sanding, and these discoveries essentially led to a revolution in European glassmaking. What used to be an expensive luxury suddenly became affordable. While the composition of the yellow lazure quickly became known throughout the land, Egermann was much more careful in the case of the red. But it eventually brought him so much profit that one day, his competitors finally broke into his laboratory and stole the recipe. That is also why knowledge of this decorative technique spread as far as the famous Saint-Louis glassworks in France.

Egermann also invented the stunning lithyalin glass, which he patented in 1828 and which looked like agate, a semi-precious stone. By means of a special painting technique, he was able to imitate the expensive, gem-like metallurgical glass of the time. Although interest in this type of glass soon waned (unlike in the case of his yellow and red lazure) it has since become a highly sought-after and exclusive item.

Egermann was a fortunate inventor insofar as he enjoyed wealth and social recognition during his lifetime. In 1848, he was the first producer in the country to receive a gold medal from the Association for Promoting Bohemian Industry (Jednota pro povzbuzení průmyslu v Čechách) and he was also granted the title of privileged producer. By the 1840s, he owned real estate in Nový Bor, employed 200 workers and was among the most successful entrepreneurs in the region.

The legacy Friedrich Egermann left for Czech glassmaking is certainly immense. His products are known worldwide and his significance is comparable to the discovery of Czech crystal in the 17th century or fused art sculpture in the 20th century. Egermann’s versatile character furthermore continues to inspire contemporary glassmakers to this day. His life story is proof that dreams can become reality. Including the dream of affordable luxury for all.

A Renewed Face with a Brand-New Story
In 2023, our brand Crystalex—one of the leading manufacturers of beverage and utility glassware in both the Czech Republic and international markets—acquired the rights to the Egermann brand. This historic glassmaking name faced bankruptcy due to the economic crisis. "It would be a great shame for such an important piece of glassmaking history, renowned worldwide, to fade into obscurity. We are proud that this opportunity has allowed us to preserve and revitalize a brand with such a rich tradition, making it relevant to today's generation," says CEO Tomáš Januš.

The Egermann brand, synonymous from its inception with quality, craftsmanship, luxury, and Czech crystal, has been a cornerstone of the glassmaking industry since the 19th century. Its unique character owes much to its founder, Friedrich Egermann, a visionary inventor and technologist. His name has become synonymous with richly decorated glass, elevated by the artistry of engravers, painters, and intricate designs.

"Our goal is to honor and further develop the rich tradition of Czech glassmaking. At the same time, we recognize that the original Egermann brand is inimitable. Therefore, our aim is not to create replicas but to introduce unique glassware crafted with our technologies and decorative techniques. We are committed to respecting traditional values and history while incorporating iconic colors and elements inspired by the past," adds Tomáš Januš.

The Egermann Collections: Tradition Meets Modernity
The Egermann collections showcase a diverse range of decorative techniques, blending manual methods such as traditional painting, engraving, and grinding with automated processes like diaryt, panto, machine grinding, and spraying. These techniques will be creatively combined, echoing the style of the original brand. The result is an inimitable, utterly unique glass that honors the past while embracing modern trends.

The new concept introduces four distinct collections, each representing a unique approach to design and craftsmanship:

• Signature Collection: Minimalist yet sophisticated, this collection highlights the beauty of crystal glass paired with refined details, offering timeless elegance.
• Art & Deco Edition: A fusion of artistic expression by external designers from both domestic and international scenes, this collection showcases bold creativity and innovative design.
• Gentleman Collection: Dedicated to men with discerning tastes, this line provides exceptional glassware for the finest drinks. It often combines polished and frosted cuts, creating an impeccable blend of refinement and masculinity that embodies the essence of a true gentleman.
• Lady Edition: In contrast, this collection celebrates femininity with graceful cup shapes, often featuring ultra-thin, drawn stems. Its delicate decorations appeal to romantic souls and perfectly underscore the elegance of the fairer sex.

Each collection pays homage to the legacy of Egermann while embracing modern sensibilities, ensuring the brand remains timeless and relevant.

Rebranding for a New Era
The rebranding of the Egermann brand was naturally accompanied by a complete overhaul of its graphic design, propelling it seamlessly into the 21st century. This transformation echoes the path Crystalex itself took a few years ago, undergoing a significant redesign that has since proven to be a key asset.

"We knew from the start what we wanted to achieve with the rebranding," says CEO Tomáš Januš. "Creating a brand-new identity for an established name is no easy task, as we learned with our own transformation years ago. Our vision was to introduce a timeless and modern aesthetic that resonates with today’s market while appealing to the right audience. The result is a minimalist, beautifully crafted logo that combines an elegant serif typeface with a fine-line drawing of Friedrich Egermann himself. The design subtly highlights his defining features, including his iconic cap, with understated sophistication.

"While both Egermann and Crystalex share the same home under one roof, each brand maintains its own dedicated space within the Nový Bor production area. This separation allows greater flexibility for innovation and development, not only in production but also in marketing. Each brand enjoys a tailored approach, reflected in everything from production volumes to packaging design. Our vision is to produce Egermann glass in limited quantities, ensuring it remains a symbol of exclusivity, luxury, and prestige. Packaging for one or two pieces emphasizes that Egermann glass is not for everyday use but rather a luxury gift, collector’s item, or statement piece for refined tastes," concludes Tomáš Januš.