Our 2014 was a BLAST !
As we have watched the nights draw in and the New Year finally approach we have found our selves reflecting on the past year. In 2014 Mint has celebrated its’ most successful year to date as well as its’ 15th birthday! We have scoured the UK for hidden design gems, and visited our usual international hot spots as well as a few new locations in search of the latest emerging talent. Lina was also invited to judge at two different awards: Designblok in Prague, and the Interieur Awards at the Biennale Interieur, Kortrijk in Belgium.
When I asked the Mint team what was their favourite trip of the year, it was unanimous . . . Prague !
The medieval ‘Astronomical Clock‘ is one of Prague’s best known landmarks. Located in the Old Town square.
One of the most cherished memories from the trip was a delicious tartare at the butchers, Naše Maso on Dlouhá Street. Look out for some familiar faces !
The Prague group enjoying their steak tartare. From left to right, Maxim, Lina, Rossana, Tamara & Lori.
And here is a picture of the famous steak tartare served with toasted bread & garlic.
Lina making the most of the free beer refills !
Of course our host Křehký Gallery was another one of our favourite spots, located within a secret inner courtyard off Osadni Street.
We were in admiration of Křehký’s unique studio space and beautiful collection on display.
Lina and Tamara perusing the Křehký catalogue. Looking to make an impromptu purchase ladies ?
We managed to get Rossana to pose for a quick photo.
Cok & Lina looking dashing in Rossana’s iconic glasses.
The team receiving an introduction to the Křehký collection from co-owners Jana Zielinski & Jiří Macek.
Lina posing under the fascinating crystallised chandelier.
The next stop for the Prague team was Dox, The Centre for Contemporary Art which contains various exhibition halls, a library, cafe and a shop (by Qubus) full to the brim with Czech design !
Just taking a minute to relax on the outdoor terrace. In the background is a sculpture called ‘Shoe Christ‘ by Petr Motyčka. The sculpture is constructed from approximately 1444 single shoes.
Lina investigating an intriguing sculpture by Martin Rajniš. Images of the sculptures by the architectural studio to follow.
The exhibition ‘Architectural Guild‘ is a celebration of the 12 year success of Martin Rajniš and his studio.
The Inspiration Pod by Martin Rajniš, lined with photographs, was a great way of making the experience interactive.
Tamara, Lina and Lori inside the Inspiration Pod. Looks like a surreal experience !
Lina, Rossana & Cok taking a selfie inside the Dox by Qubus shop.
Rossana making her way out from the Dox by Qubus shop !
The famous ‘Dancing House’ or ‘Fred & Ginger’ building design by Vlado Milunić in co-operation with Frank Gehry. Located on the Rašínovo Nábřeží in Prague.
The Archbishops Palace located on the Hradčany Square in Prague.
View from the Lesser Town terrace just off Hradčany Square.
The stunning Zahrady terraced gardens, located next to the grounds of the Prague Castle, have wonderful views over the cities red rooftops which can be admired from one of the 30 terraces.
Another popular eatery amongst the Prague team was Lokal, based in the Old Town. Famous for it’s traditional Czech cooking and more importantly beer !
Veneer cut-outs designed by Maxim Velčovský for Lokal line the backs of the seating. Each of the unique illustrative cut-outs has a nostalgic nod to Prague’s past.
The cut-outs are enhanced by light from behind the veneer panels.
A quick visit to the studio space of designers Jan Plecháč & Henry Wielgus. Left to right, Henry, Rossana, Lina, Cok & Jan.
Lina standing next to one of her favourite pieces.
Jan & Henry talking about their most recent projects with the group.
The team was then recommended to pay a visit to the Národní Galerie (Prague National Gallery).
The vast entrance atrium within the Národní Gallery.
Lina and Rossana had been admiring the colourful ‘Celebration of Life‘ artwork by Jerald Webster.
The team enjoying Richard Loskot’s ‘Colour is what is not.’ The installation is a series of mirrors and projections inviting the users to investigate the set-like space.
The next exhibition the team visit inside the Národní Galerie was the Alfons Mucha ‘The Slav Epic.‘ The space consisted of 20 monumental canvases some of which measured up to 6 x 8 meters. They depicted the history & civilisation of the Slav people.
The Municipal House concert hall is an Art Nouveau treasure located in the centre of Prague.
The grand Smetana Hall, the main space within the Municipal House.
Whilst you are visiting the Municipal House you can pay a visit to the elegant Kavárna Obecní dům cafe located on the ground floor.
The Vital Art Nouveau 1900 exhibition inside the Municipal House, featuring a wide selection of artefacts including furniture, artworks and fashion from the early 20th Century.
This pewter and glass set had extraordinary detail and was quite mesmerising.
We couldn’t leave Prague without paying a visit to the world renowned glass manufacturer, Moser !
Lori, Lina and Rossana in awe of the Moser window display.
A clearer image of the magnificent window display at Moser.
The interior of the Moser shop in prague.
A beautiful shot of the street just away from the Moser shop.
We were also happy to final meet the wonderful Antonin Hepnar. Left to right, Antonin, Lina & Maxim.
And then came the goodbyes. Rossana was sad to leave as you can see !
Lina has found her transport home to London. It’s going to be a bumpy ride !
A farewell selfie with our fantastic guide Tereza ! Left to right, Lori, Tereza, Lina & Tamara.
Thank you to everyone we met during our time in Prague, you all made it an unforgettable trip! We will be back!