Presidential visit to the Moser glassworks

“The Moser glassworks is the display case of our nation’s glassmaking, and its products represent us in many places around the world. I’m quite pleased to have had the opportunity to see how they’re made with my own eyes,” said the President. The presidential couple observed our work at the furnace and in the engraving workshop, before also viewing the boutique. They met with Martin Dvořák, Moser GM, and the other employees, including the two Knights of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres: Master glassmaker Zdeněk Drobný and master engraver Tomáš Lesser.

^{President Petr Pavel and his wife touring the glassworks, accompanied by master glassmaker Zdeněk Drobný.}

Authentic intrigue

The President greatly appreciated the quality of the handmade crystal and promised to support the effort to pass along this beautiful trade to further generations. “It’s brought the country fame and continues to do so today, however, it also has the potential to keep us standing amongst the countries capable of producing items of such quality,” added the President.

“The visit from the President and First Lady meant more to us than just an extraordinary event. It was a powerful gesture of recognition for all our employees, who tap into the best of Moser’s DNA and push the brand ever forward. We were quite surprised by the depth of knowledge shown by the President and First Lady about glassmaking. You could feel their authentic intrigue not only in the craft itself but also in the challenges that the field of glassmaking faces today,” said Martin Dvořák.

Admission into the Giant Snifters Club

The President and First Lady entered together into Moser’s legendary Giant Snifters Club, whose tradition dates back to 1957. They performed the initiation ritual, consisting of a sort of “dance” using the large crystal goblets, into which a beverage is poured simultaneously. Before them, an array of other important figures also became honorary members of the club, which has since broadened Moser’s good name at home and abroad. They include the likes of French actor Gérard Philipe, American jazzman Louis Armstrong, the King and Queen of Spain, Juan Carlos I and Sofía, President of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel, American Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madeleine Albright, and American actor Robert Redford.

Magnus as a keepsake

The President received the Magnus vase as a commemorative gift from the glassworks. Its unique colouring, a combination of topaz glass underlaid with blue, is a brand-new creation in the glassworks’ history. And the engraved lion, a symbol of strength and courage, is the work of Tomáš Lesser.

Moser at Prague Castle and Lány Castle

The President also recalled running into Moser products at his residences – at Prague Castle and Lány Castle. The crystal Copenhagen set, with its gold oroplastic and state emblem engraving, became the official presidential set all the way back in the days of Tomáš G. Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia.

President Petr Pavel’s visit wasn’t the first presidential visit to Moser. Edvard Beneš, Václav Havel, and First Lady Livia Klausová had been welcomed here before him, and all three acted as incredible ambassadors of the Moser brand worldwide. “We’re delighted that Moser presents a suitable gift for foreign partners – gifts that represent us with dignity, acting as a pure symbol of handcrafted art and the best our country can create,” says Martin Dvořák.

^{Václav Havel (left), Livia Klausová with Benedict XVI and Edvard Beneš}