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In order to exhibit its own artistic productions the Ajeto glassworks reconstructed an old townhouse which dates back to 1923. It is situated close to the main square in Novy Bor named after T.G. Masaryk. This tattered and destroyed building underwent serious restoration during 1996-1997. It was opened in October 1997 with an international glass symposium (IGS), organized by the Crystalex and Ajeto glass firms. Approximately 3 years later, Ajeto decided to completely rebuild its gallery once again, and asked the Artistic Director Borek Sipek to create the architectural design for the entire reconstruction. The following construction was completed in record time. The gallery had its grand opening once again housing the IGS in October 2000, and welcomed dozens of international glass and design artists.
One is taken back by the beauty of the interior of the gallery, which is largely due to the two impressive showcases by the entrance designed by none other than Borek Sipek (Ajeto artistic director). His creations are also broadly represented in this gallery, where one can observe the glass objects from the "Sipek for Ajeto" collection, the exclusive furniture from "Sipek for Scarabas, and lights from the "Sipek for Scaralux" collection. One can even admire and walk below luxury chandeliers, which Borek Sipek designed for Karl Lagerfeld, the world renowned French fashion designer. The gallery also exhibits other works from glass artists and designers from around the globe. Another part of the gallery is devoted to glass pieces from the factories private collection, realized by its glass-master who often collaborates with other designers. Lastly, the gallery also exhibits copies of historical glass pieces from several different eras, which are produced in Peter Novotny's private studio
Furniture
Even though the gallery was not intended for furniture, there are a few pieces on display and for sale, thanks to the wide range of different design media that Borek Sipek occupies himself with. The majority of the furniture on display is chairs and tables from the "Sipek for Scarabas" collection, which shows a slight resemblance to the glass collection "Sipek for Ajeto". This exclusive furniture collection was realized in 1994, thanks to a joint effort from Borek Sipek and the Italian furniture production firm Cumin Luigia.
From that moment on the collection constantly grew; today it consists of several dozens of pieces. In addition to technically simple, but visional exceptional chairs, there is an assortment of elaborate seats and sofa's, screens, closets and other interior pieces. All of the items have in common the shape, function and attention to detail that Sipek is so well known for, as he uses the best and often most exotic materials available.
Lightings
A few names among the long line of lights designed by Borek Sipek are Rudolf, Karl Lagerfeld, Vetev, Paros, and Spirale. Some of these pieces can be seen in the gallery. This is partly due to the fact that all glass parts for all the light Sipek has designed originate from the Ajeto glassworks. Some of these pieces in fact closely resemble other glass objects made in Ajeto. For example, vases or what seems like fragments of them are suspended from the ceiling, while others are designed as standing or wall lights. The latter are often upheld or supported by steel components. Sometimes however, it's quite the opposite; the base of the light is formed by a steel ornament which is then finished with glass leaves, branches and other decorative ornaments typical for Borek Sipek. The constructions themselves are mostly made of brass, stainless steel and other materials which are modified with various treatments like chrome, gold, and many other special techniques.
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