The Egermann Legacy
Bohemian glass is world-renowned for its constant innovation, driven by exceptionally talented glassmakers, technologists, and artists who have consistently introduced groundbreaking new products and set global trends. Among them, Friedrich Egermann (1777–1864)—an exceptional glass painter, inventor, and entrepreneur from Nový Bor—holds a place of particular distinction.
Although he descended from a famous glassmaking family on his mother's side, his youth was no bed of roses. He had to build his career himself. His success began with a short tenure at the Meissen porcelain manufactory, where he learned the art of preparing, mixing, applying, and firing paints. He then transferred this knowledge to the decoration of opal glass, becoming the first to apply a matte finish to its surface in 1809. Thanks to its high quality, Egermann's glass soon earned considerable renown.
A Revolution in European Glassmaking
Courage, curiosity, and skill were also behind his other inventions—the yellow stain (1818) and, most notably, the red stain, introduced in 1832. Thanks to these specific painting techniques, he was able to imitate both the popular topaz glass and luxurious ruby glass. This stained glass was also easier to decorate with cutting and engraving. These discoveries sparked a true revolution in European glassmaking.
What were once expensive, exclusive items became widely accessible objects. While the formula for the yellow stain quickly spread throughout the region, Egermann was far more guarded with the red. It brought him such profits, however, that competitors eventually broke into his laboratory and stole the recipe. Another of Egermann's striking discoveries was Lithyalin glass, resembling agate, which he patented in 1828.
An Eternal Inspiration
Egermann was one of those fortunate inventors who achieved both wealth and public acclaim within his lifetime. In 1848, the Union for the Encouragement of Industry in Bohemia decorated him with its gold medal, making him the first manufacturer in the country to receive it. By the early 1840s, he owned several properties in Nový Bor, employed some 200 workers, and was one of the largest entrepreneurs in the region.
The mark Friedrich Egermann left on Bohemian glassmaking is immense, unmistakable, and indelible. Its significance and global reach are comparable only to the discovery of Bohemian crystal in the 17th century and the development of artistic melt-formed sculpture in the 20th. Furthermore, Egermann's versatile personality remains an inspiration to all contemporary glassmakers. He is proof that dreams can be turned into reality—even the dream of making luxury accessible to all.