Rigby & Rigby Visits Sans Souci

INTRODUCTION

In September 2025 our Interior Design team travelled to the Czech Republic to visit Sans Souci, the crystal specialists we are collaborating with on several international projects. It was a chance to see mock-ups of bespoke fittings in progress, spend time with the artisans, and understand more deeply how glass is shaped, coloured and finished.

The visit took us from the centre of Prague, with its dramatic spires and river views, out into the countryside where the glass workshops are found. Along the way we ate well — proper Czech food, dumplings and slow-cooked meats — before arriving at the furnaces where crystal is still blown, cut and polished by hand.

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UNDERSTANDING GLASS

Trying our hand at glassblowing

Under the guidance of the craftsmen we tried blowing glass ourselves. The furnaces run at over 1,000°C, so the gather of molten glass glowed white-orange on the end of the blowpipe. Shaping tools are made from timber, used wet so the water steams and protects the surface rather than burning. It was intense, physical work, and gave us real respect for the skill required to form crystal into consistent, elegant shapes.

Understanding the materials

One of the most valuable parts of the visit was learning about the different glass types and processes:

Hand-blown glass — every piece is unique, with slight variations that give life and character. Labour-intensive, so higher cost, but ideal for statement fittings.

Slumped glass — sheet glass is heated until it softens and ‘slumps’ into a mould. This produces consistent shapes at lower cost, useful for repeat elements.

Pressed glass — molten glass is pressed into moulds, offering efficiency and precision for volume production.

Lead crystal vs crystal glass — glass with at least 24% lead oxide can be called lead crystal. Lead increases sparkle and makes the glass easier to cut. Alternatives use barium, zinc or potassium oxides for similar effects.

Borosilicate glass — with a higher working temperature, often used for technical or scientific applications where strength and heat resistance are needed.

We also spoke about colour. Rich reds can be created by adding tiny amounts of gold; cobalt produces deep blues; copper and iron give greens; manganese and selenium add purples and ambers. Colour can be mixed into the batch, added as frit or applied and fused to the surface — each method affecting cost, appearance and durability. We also witnessed nano coatings, micron thick metal applied to glass - this is a great example of new technology meeting historical workmanship.

SUMMARY

From craft to collaboration

We inspected full-size mock-ups of custom fittings for our projects, checking optical quality, fixings and installation details. Seeing the prototypes in person gave us confidence in how these bespoke pieces will perform when installed.

The trip reminded us why collaborations like this matter. To work with artisans who understand every stage — from melting glass at 1,200°C to carefully annealing it to avoid stress and breakage — gives us both inspiration and trust.

A lasting impression

The visit was not only about specifications and techniques, but also about people and place. From the warm meals shared to the countryside journey, and from trying to blow crystal ourselves to watching master cutters at work, the experience gave our team a richer connection to the craft.

For Rigby & Rigby, working with Sans Souci means more than sourcing fittings. It is about engaging with one of Europe’s oldest and most skilled traditions, and bringing that depth of artistry into our projects worldwide.