Bo?ek ?ípek, the Czech architect and designer known for his flamboyant glassware and furniture, has died in Prague aged 66.
Fellow Czech designer Maxim Vel?ovský described ?ípek as "a global postmodern star" and said he played a key role in saving the Czech glass industry.
?ípek, who died yesterday, is best known in his home country for his work for former Czech president Václav Havel, who appointed him court architect of Prague Castle, his official residence.
Verdurin, Tritano, Isotta porcelain and glass centrepieces by Bo?ek ?ípek for Driade
Abroad he is associated with the colourful "neo-baroque" glass pieces and sculptural furniture he created, particularly for Italian brand Driade, which has described him as "an outstanding presence" and his work as "highly sensual" with origins clearly rooted in Bohemian baroque. ?ípek was born in Prague in 1949. Orphaned at age 15, his guardian was René Roubí?ek, the great glass artist. He studied furniture construction in Prague before emigrating to Germany after the Soviet-led invasion of his homeland in 1968. In Germany he worked as a cabinet maker and later studied architecture in Stuttgart.
Celine I, Florian, Maria Pia, Amarillide and Pierre blown glass and porcelain vases by Bo?ek ?ípek for Driade
In 1982 he completed Glass House Hamburg, a highly regarded greenhouse-like house for his sister in Hamburg.
He started to work in glass at a smaller and more expressive sca...