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Souvenir Glass from Broumov Region and Krkonoše Mountains

Petr Bergmann, a researcher and publisher active in Broumov and Krkonoše regions, documents the phenomenon of souvenirs, an integral part of, craftsmanship and culture over a century ago. Support the new catalogue, which has already been fully designed.

Author: Petr Bergmann

EUR 88
pledged of EUR 6,567

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21 days until the end

3 contributors pledged

Art, Design

Meziměstí, Královéhradecký kraj, Česko

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All or nothing. This project will only be funded if it reaches at least its goal by Nov 17, 2026 by 09:01 CET.

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My Story: What Inspired Me to Compile and Publish This Catalogue

More than 25 years ago, I came to the Broumov region. Its landscape, Baroque, Neoclassical and vernacular architecture, and its many-layered history captivated me so deeply that I immediately fell under their spell.

The post-war displacement of the region’s original population had a devastating impact on the preservation of its cultural heritage and severed the continuity of collective memory. At the time, I was working as a cultural manager and producer, and I decided to devote myself fully to preserving and restoring the cultural and historical heritage of the Broumov and Krkonoše regions. My work focuses on researching, documenting and bringing wider attention to what has disappeared or was gradually being forgotten.

Over a quarter of a century of research, I have come to recognise glassmaking and nineteenth-century landscape views as two of the most powerful cultural phenomena of our northern and north-eastern borderlands. They embody a profound and unmistakable local identity that continues to fascinate us today.

And it is in souvenir glass and porcelain that the finest traditions of glassmaking and the art of landscape depiction come together in a truly fascinating way — a combination whose beauty and expressive power captivated me.

This inspired me to bring together several private collections, whose treasures are presented in this catalogue in a collection providing perfect overview.

Our Goal?

Help us preserve a memory of Bohemian mountains and rocks!

Let us return to the atmosphere of the early 19th century. Romanticism was in full bloom, and the wild landscapes of the Krkonoše Mountains, the Broumov region and the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks were beginning to attract the first adventurous travellers. It was at this time that a remarkable phenomenon emerged — one that continues to astonish us with its artistic beauty and superb craftsmanship: luxury souvenir glass and porcelain decorated with meticulously hand-painted, engraved or etched landscape views.

Our goal is to publish an exclusive, beautifully produced supplementary catalogue in December 2026: Souvenir Glass and Porcelain from the Broumov Region, the Krkonoše Mountains and the Kłodzko Borderland. Remarkable in its scope, the publication will present dozens of newly discovered and previously unpublished treasures from private collections.

The book will feature a sophisticated graphic design and will be published in three languages — Czech, German and Polish — reflecting the historical, regional and cross-border context of the subject. The catalogue expands upon the original 2021 publication, which was the first to present this phenomenon through such a comprehensive collection with a specific regional focus.

Following exhibitions at the Benedictine monastery in Broumov, in Kamienna Góra, Poland, and at Adršpach Chateau, this new volume continues the story, broadening our knowledge not only of the individual objects themselves, but also of glassmaking, refining and production techniques, the glass trade, and the emergence of tourism in north-eastern Bohemia and the Kłodzko border region.

The original 2021 catalogue is now virtually sold out. Since its publication, research has advanced considerably. The new catalogue continues our journey into the history of the souvenir industry through the eras of Romanticism, Biedermeier and the Second Rococo, Historicism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. It documents individual objects in detail, exploring their decoration and the diverse manufacturing and refining techniques employed in different periods. It also includes examples of souvenirs made from wood, metal and paper.

Every object is presented through outstanding professional photography and graphic design, with particular emphasis on faithful colour reproduction, accurate representation of form, meticulous attention to detail, and expert descriptions of the objects and the techniques used to create them.

The catalogue’s expert consultants are Prof. Jan Mergl for glass and Lenka Merglová Pánková for porcelain. Exceptional goblets, beakers and tankards are each given full two-page spreads, allowing their craftsmanship and artistic qualities to be appreciated in their entirety. Through this generous presentation, the catalogue pays tribute to the people who created these remarkable pieces of souvenir glass and porcelain, giving their skill and artistry the space they deserve.

Funds raised through Hithit will be used to cover the final production costs of the catalogue, particularly graphic design and printing. Your contributions will help us publish this richly illustrated catalogue to the high standard it deserves and in an optimal print run.

And Extras"

The catalogue also connects urban and landscape views by leading painters and graphic artists with their counterparts depicted on souvenir glass and porcelain.

The master glass decorators of the past painted or engraved views of places they had often never seen themselves. In the days before photography, their models were most commonly engravings, etchings and lithographs by accomplished artists such as Anton Balzer, Carl Sachse, Carl Gottlieb Endler, Friedrich August Tittel, Carl Theodor Matthise, Gustav Täubert, Carl Wilhelm Knippel, Ferdinand Koska, August Haun and many others.

The catalogue reproduces works by these and numerous other artists, revealing the sources of inspiration for the landscape and town views transferred onto glass and porcelain.

And what is perhaps the greatest testament to the uniqueness of this catalogue? Over more than ten years of documenting private and institutional collections, not a single object has yet been found that has an identical counterpart in any other collection.

Every piece featured in the catalogue is therefore truly unique — an individual work of art with a story of its own, whose survival to the present day is something of a small miracle.

This is why we consider the documentation and publication of this remarkable heritage of souvenir glass and porcelain so important, and we hope that you will support our work.

Who is Petr Bergmann, the author?

Petr Bergmann´s professional background is in cultural management, production and education. Since 2000, I have worked as an independent regional author, documentarian, publisher and collector, focusing primarily on the Broumov and Krkonoše regions. During this time, I have published more than ten successful books on history and art history and contributed as an author to at least ten others.

My approach to creative work is 100% D.I.Y. I independently manage the entire process myself — from primary fieldwork and archival research to writing, designing and producing the books. I also take care of fundraising, exhibition curation, publishing, distribution and promotion.

More than 25 years of active work in the region have resulted in dozens of publications and hundreds of exhibitions and cultural events, with projects extending to Poland, Germany, Belgium, Chile, Japan and other countries.

My roots, however, are firmly planted in the Broumov region. This is why the vast majority of my research, exhibition and publishing activities are closely connected with this region and its rich history.

Why Doing This?

The main purpose of documenting souvenir glass and publishing comprehensive catalogues is to preserve its memory for future generations. The production of souvenirs of such exceptional artistic and craftsmanship quality has never been successfully revived in modern times.

Through this work, we are bringing a lost cultural identity of the region back into public awareness, while preserving an authentic testament to the skill, enterprise and sense of beauty of those who came before us.

Your support is therefore much more than simply a contribution towards publishing a book — it is an active part in preserving our shared cultural heritage.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 0
    I want to support and want nothing in return

    I want to support a good cause and ask for no reward. Petr Bergmann will thank you by email and announce the publication of the supplementary catalogue. The contribution can be increased by any amount if you wish to give more. There are no limits to generosity!

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 6.16
    (CZK 150)

  • sold 1
    I want to support a good cause and activities in the Broumov region and want nothing in return

    I want to support a good cause and activities in the Broumov region and want nothing in return — that will make me twice as happy! Petr Bergmann will thank you by email and announce the publication of the supplementary catalogue. If interested, supporters will also be informed about future events. The contribution can be increased by any amount if you wish to give more. There are no limits to generosity! 

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 10.26
    (CZK 250)

  • sold 0
    2027 desk calendar with images from the Broumov region

    Traditional weekly calendar featuring old postcards from the Broumov region, produced by Petr Bergmann and compiled from his collection (in Czech only).

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 12.31
    (CZK 300)

  • remaining 4 from 5
    Domov / Heimat - Book of photographs from Teplice nad Metují and its surroundings

    The book Domov / Heimat  is a joint work by Petr Bergmann and photography historian Pavel Scheufler. It features a selection of photographs from a unique discovery of glass negatives by amateur photographer Adalbert Meier, who photographed Teplice nad Metují and its surroundings together with his wife Marie. Printed in Czech/German

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 16.42
    (CZK 400)

  • remaining 30 from 30
    Sněžný Iwan (Snow Iwan) - monograph on Friedrich Iwan

    Sněžný Iwan (Snow Iwan) is a monograph by Petr Bergmann and Marcus Kawaletz on the Krkonoše painter and graphic artist Friedrich Iwan, who travelled throughout the mountains, capturing their most picturesque places and panoramas. Friedrich Iwan served in the First World War and, after the Second World War, was forced to leave his native and beloved Krkonoše Mountains. He spent the rest of his life in the Allgäu, in the foothills of the Alps. The book features dozens of high-quality reproductions of Iwan’s etchings, watercolours, oil paintings, drawings and bookplates. In Czech only.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 18.47
    (CZK 450)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Fates Written by a Chisel - a sculptor Emil Schwantner

    Fates Written with a Chisel, a monograph by Petr Bergmann on the life and work of Trutnov sculptor Emil Schwantner, focusing on his works in public spaces.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 20.52
    (CZK 500)

  • remaining 10 from 10
    Punk zuřivej, an interview book with a punk dedication by P. B.

    Punk zuřivej (Furious Punk) - A book-length interview by Gabriela Kontra and Radim Kopáč with Petr Bergmann about the wild punk years of the 1980s and 1990s and life in the Broumov region after 2000. On request, Petr, aka Bergámo, will write a punk dedication for you.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 20.52
    (CZK 500)

  • remaining 50 from 50
    The Krkonoše Mountains in Old Engravings and Lithographs

    Das Riesengebirge auf alten Stichen und Lithografien, A publication compiled from Petr Bergmann’s collection, presenting the historical appearance of the Krkonoše Mountains and its towns on the Czech and Silesian sides through more than three hundred of the oldest known images from the late 18th to the early 20th century. The book is published in Czech, Polish and German. The reward includes the author’s signature on request – please specify in the note here on Hithit. Czech, Polish, German.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 24.63
    (CZK 600)

  • remaining 100 from 100
    Souvenir Glass and Porcelain – Supplementary Catalogue

    Souvenir Glass and Porcelain from the Krkonoše Mountains, Broumov Region and Kłodzko Borderland, a catalogue compiled and published by Petr Bergmann, mainly from private collections, supplementary catalogue, CZ / DE / PL, almost 200 pages, 2026

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 26.68
    (CZK 650)

  • remaining 9 from 10
    Souvenir Glass and Porcelain – Set of two catalogues (2020 and 2026)

    Souvenir Glass and Porcelain from the Krkonoše Mountains, Broumov Region and Kłodzko Borderland, Catalogue compiled by Petr Bergmann, mainly from private collections – set of the original 2020 catalogue and the new supplementary catalogue, 2026

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 61.56
    (CZK 1,500)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Tea with Petr Bergmann, author of the catalogue

    Tea with Petr Bergmann, author of the catalogue, with personal handover of a signed copy, or a dedication on request. The meeting can take place in Šestidomí in the Broumov region, or at a tearoom in Prague, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, Trutnov, Hronov, Karlovy Vary or Šťáhlavice, as chosen by the supporter. The supplementary catalogue is included in the reward.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 82.08
    (CZK 2,000)

  • remaining 3 from 3
    Meet Petr Bergmann by the Fireplace

    Meet Petr Bergmann at his secluded home in Šestidomí, by the fireplace or over a game of chess, with personal handover of the supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain, signed or dedicated by the author.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 102.61
    (CZK 2,500)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Loan of a Souvenir Glass Piece for One Year

    Loan of a decorative piece of souvenir glass or porcelain from Petr Bergmann’s collection for one year + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 123.13
    (CZK 3,000)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Individual or Group Guided Tour of the Souvenir Glass and Porcelain Exhibition

    Guided tour of the Souvenir Glass and Porcelain exhibition at Adršpach Chateau with Petr Bergmann, author of the exhibition and catalogue (by the end of 2026, or January 2027 at the latest). The tour can be individual, family or group, as requested by the supporter + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 164.17
    (CZK 4,000)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Loan of a Porcelain Sculpture by Emil Schwantner for One Year

    Loan of a porcelain sculpture by Emil Schwantner from Petr Bergmann’s collection for one year + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 164.17
    (CZK 4,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    The Broumov Region in Historical Images – Book

    The Broumov Region in Historical Images, Vol. I, 2014, 730 pages, large-format edition – Petr Bergmann’s long sold-out book documenting the Broumov region before 1945 through old maps and postcards, prints, photographs and other archival and visual materials. The book is in Czech and German. These are the last two available copies. + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 205.21
    (CZK 5,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Ten Kilos! (A Set of Books by Petr Bergmann)

    Ten kilograms of books by Petr Bergmann in one package. The set includes: The Broumov Region in Historical Images, The Krkonoše Mountains in Old Engravings and Lithographs, Fates Written with a Chisel, Snowy Iwan, Souvenir Glass and Porcelain, Domov / Heimat, Studánka 1715–1915, Bezděkovský kostelíčku and Lager Broumov / Braunau, 1915–1918. As a bonus, a small accordion-fold catalogue published for the exhibition Sigismund Bouška and Japanese Woodblock Prints, also produced by Petr Bergmann.

    Reward delivery: Zásilkovna, in a month after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 410.42
    (CZK 10,000)

  • remaining 10 from 10
    Sponsor of a Chapter (of Your Choice)

    The Chapter Sponsor will receive exclusive space on the opening page of the selected chapter in the publication for their logo or name. The form and placement will be agreed with the Chapter Sponsor + five copies of the supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 410.42
    (CZK 10,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    Trip from Prague to Brussels with Petr Bergmann

    Individual trip to Brussels with Petr Bergmann to see sculptures by C. Meunier, F. Metzner and other artists, with the option of a two-night stay in the guest room at his Bohemian Art Space gallery (including airfare and transport) + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

     

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 615.64
    (CZK 15,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 1

    Decorative opaline glass from Petr Bergmann’s collection as a special reward + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 656.68
    (CZK 16,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 2

    Decorative cut glass with coloured lustres from Petr Bergmann’s collection as a special reward + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 738.76
    (CZK 18,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 3

    Decorative faceted cut glass with ruby stain and engraved motifs of forest animals and vegetation, pewter mounting with a glass (cracked) insert in the lid, Egermann circle, from Petr Bergmann’s collection as a special reward. This piece is featured as an illustrative object in the introductory chapter of the supplementary catalogue and will therefore be fully published + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 902.93
    (CZK 22,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    Trip from Prague to Brussels with Petr Bergmann for Two

    Trip to Brussels with Petr Bergmann to see sculptures by C. Meunier, F. Metzner and other artists, with the option of a two-night stay for two in the guest room at his Bohemian Art Space gallery + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,026.06
    (CZK 25,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    Individual Trip from Prague to Brussels and Paris with Petr Bergmann

    Individual trip to Brussels with Petr Bergmann, including a trip to Paris to see sculptures by C. Meunier and F. Metzner in Brussels and O. Zadkine or Ch. Orloff in Paris, with a visit to the current Jiří Kars exhibition in Paris and the option of a three-night stay in the guest room at the Bohemian Art Space gallery (including airfare and train travel) + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,067.10
    (CZK 26,000)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    Trip from Prague to Brussels and Paris for Two

    Trip to Brussels with Petr Bergmann, including a trip to Paris to see sculptures by C. Meunier and F. Metzner in Brussels and O. Zadkine or Ch. Orloff in Paris, with a visit to the current Jiří Kars exhibition in Paris and the option of a three-night stay for two in the guest room at the Bohemian Art Space gallery + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,190.23
    (CZK 29,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Main Sponsor of the Souvenir Glass and Porcelain Catalogue (2026)

    The Main Sponsor will receive prominent space and exclusive placement within the publication for a logo, advertisement, promotional content or name. The form and placement will be agreed with the Main Sponsor + ten copies of the supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain.

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,231.27
    (CZK 30,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 4

    Decorative goblet with ruby stain and cut and engraved motifs of Mariánské Lázně, from Petr Bergmann’s collection as a special reward + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain. Photos of the reward can be sent on request; please email: bergmann.petr@gmail.com

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,313.36
    (CZK 32,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 5

    Decorative ruby glass (goblet with an engraved and cut portrait of the Habsburg ruler Francis I (Franz I) and the Austrian eagle in a medallion). Northern Bohemia, Biemann / Böhm circle, c. 1835, from Petr Bergmann’s collection as a special reward + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain. Photos of the reward can be sent on request; please email: bergmann.petr@gmail.com

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 1,436.49
    (CZK 35,000)

  • remaining 1 from 1
    Decorative Glass No. 6

    Decorative goblet with yellow stain, cut and engraved, with a hunting scene of riders on horseback and a stag. Northern Bohemia, probably Mistrovice (Meisterdorf), Pelikan / Böhm / Biemann circle (1810–1835) + supplementary catalogue of souvenir glass and porcelain. Photos of the reward can be sent on request; please email: bergmann.petr@gmail.com

    Reward delivery: in half a year after the Hithit project end

    Pledge EUR 2,052.12
    (CZK 50,000)

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