Krakowska Huta Szkła

Krakowska Huta Szkła (formerly Glass and Ceramics Centre), commonly known as the ‘Institute of Glass and Ceramics’, is part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, and its rich history and experience enable it to carry out educational, teaching, exhibition and cultural activities (Gallery Lipowa 3).

The factory began as Krakowska Huta Szkła L. Bąkowski, D. Chazan i Spółka, which began manufacturing bottles and pharmacy glass in 1931. After World War II and nationalisation, the company became part of Krakowskie Zakłady Szklarskie (which included, among others, Krakow's Wawel Glassworks). In 1962, a research and development centre was established on Lipowa Street, and in 1972, the glassworks became a branch of Warsaw Glass Institute.

In 2014, the Glass and Ceramics Centre was established, and in 2019, the facility was incorporated into Łukasiewicz Research Network, receiving the name Krakowska Huta Szkła (Krakow Glassworks) in 2021.

KHS created its own style of hand-forming glass, known as "Krakow glass." This term is now used to describe the achievements of Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz and his successors: Franciszek Biela, Zofia Pasek, Michał Jakubas, and Barbara Świstacka. Krakow glass style is characterized by decorativeness, a richness of color, but above all, the intricacy of the forms themselves, as in the case of "dragon vases." The utilitarian vessels and artistic forms were captivating in their originality and aligned more with the contemporary European trends in the "hot glass" aesthetic, becoming more of a sculpture than a mere utilitarian vessel.