Photo: Ondřej Surový, Art for the City/Prague City Gallery
Artists in Czechoslovakia produced a number of objects made from polyester fiberglass between the 1950s and 1980s. While many of these artworks have survived to this day, they are in urgent need of repair. Experts from the Czech Technical Engineering are now looking for ways to preserve them.
Polyester fiberglass is a fairly lightweight and durable material that can be painted and glazed to look like stone, porcelain, bronze or marble. In Czechoslovakia, the material became popular in the late 1950s, first as a temporary replacement of more exclusive materials. Gradually, it established itself as a material in its own right.
A number of fiberglass resin statues were made throughout the 1960s and 70s as part of the deal to fund artwork for public spaces. You can still come across them at housing estates, parks and in front of public buildings.
Despite their durability, many of these objects are falling apart due to time and weather conditions. Experts from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague are now looking for ways to repair the statues made from the otherwise very durable plastic.
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Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Eva Kézrová