Shop Cubist in Prague
Thankfully there’s more to Prague than Paritzska street, the city equivalent to Bond street or Rue Faubourgh Saint-Honore .It Is on the surrounding streets of Dlouha, Dusni,and Kolkvove,where rents are more affordable, that the real heart Czech creativity beats.
One of the great thing about this city is the local interest for stylistic periods of the 20th century, particularly Cubism and Art Deco. There are many art galleries and antiques stores that reflect the true interest of the locals among others, Gallery Kubista founded in 2002 to explore the origins of classical Czech art, architecture and design. How much more Prague can you get than a shop devoted to Cubism?
Here, more than anywhere else you can still find that 1930 original armchair with its original Zebra upholstery seen and only sourced by trendy architects for hype Hotel Boutiques around the world. Cubist porcelain, lovingly wrought recreations and art books from the museum shop of the National Gallery’s excellent museum of cubism at the house of the Black Madonna. where it is located.
Another cool shop is Modernista. The pieces are Cubist, Art Deco, functionalist and other-ists,all sleek and modern. It also showcases restored desk chairs and armoires from the early to mid-century, as well as reproductions from Czech architects and designer. I am compelled to take with me a mirror to New York.
Art Deco is to Dress-up fun! Vintage clothing and lots of jewellry, as well as interestingly varied mix of furniture, household items including Art Deco clocks ,lamps and random goodies.This dandy store sells the trappings of Prague’s golden age and is filled with colored perfume bottles and clothing from the 1920s and 1930s. Prices are good, I found a mimosa flower golden brooch with minute pearls. .
With my 1930 vintage brooch elegantly pinned on the left side of my dark green cashmere twin set I realize I seriously deserve the rare chance to experience cubist architecture up close with the afternoon tea at the Grand Cafe Orient back at Stare Mesto. Back at the Black Madonna Building I am making my way up past the fabulous geometric balustrade on the teardrop stairwell to the Grand Cafe.
The building is by famous Czech architect by Gocar, its furniture too even if rather sparse it is beautiful.” Please sir- I ask, while my friend smiles at me amused,” I would like that table there on the narrow terrace.” The menu tells me about the story of the building and the selection of cute sandwiches. A small cake, English Breakfast tea and Gocar facade write in fron of me is my pick today. Is it really cold outside?Who cares…What a delight!
Joelle’s Picks:
The Art Gallery:
Kubista Gallery
Ovocný trh 19, 110 00 Praha 1, Tel./fax +420224236378
e-mail kubista@kubista.cz
Opening Hours
Tue-Su 10-18
The Stores:
Modernista
Celetná 12
Praha 1 - Staré Město
daily 11 am – 7 pm
tel: 224 241 300
fax: 224 241 299/ e-mail: modernista@modernista.cz
Art Deco Galerie
Michalská 21
Tel: 224-223-076/Open Monday to Friday from 2 to 7pm.
