In the tranquil village of Pokój in southwestern Poland, the renowned glass designer Jan Sylwester Drost passed away at the age of 90. Remembered fondly by the Museum of Silesia in Opole, Drost’s innovative designs left an indelible mark on the world.
A Trailblazer in Glass Artistry
Born in 1934 in Kłodnica, now a district of Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Drost’s journey in glass design began at the State Higher School of Fine Arts in Wrocław, where he graduated from the Faculty of Ceramics and Glass in the late 1950s. For over four decades, he lent his creative vision to the Ząbkowice Glassworks, pioneering new forms, colors, and techniques.
Experimenting with pressed glass, Drost patented a method allowing for the free-form shaping of vessel rims. His creations, including Asteroid, Radiant, Rotor, and Diatret, garnered international acclaim, earning him numerous awards and accolades. Beyond individual pieces, Drost also crafted exhibitions showcasing Polish glass and ceramics in pavilions worldwide.
Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
Alongside his wife, Eryka Trzewik-Drost, Drost contributed to a wealth of sought-after artworks now cherished by collectors globally. In Pokój, where the couple settled, their artistic legacy lives on in a captivating exhibition nestled within the historic park, offering a glimpse into the creative brilliance of the Drost duo.