Turnov: Secondary School of Applied Arts and Higher Vocational School
The school was founded in 1884 and specializes mainly in jewellery made from precious metals and stones, artistic blacksmithing, artistic metal casting and metal engraving. At Higher Vocational School students focus on metal monument restoration. Our graduates are world-known artists, authors of banknotes, goldsmiths and blacksmiths. A copy of the Crown Jewels was made here. Our school is known not only in Europe but in the whole world. Many famous personalities, political and social, have visited the school (T.G. Masaryk, Jan Masaryk, foreign ambassadors, recent and contemporary politicians). Many excursions come from European states or, for example, elementary schools. They all are blown away by what our students can do.
We established cooperation with Austria, Egypt, Israel and many other countries. Out students participate in many exhibitions, competitions and presentations here in the Czech Republic and over the world. Almost every time they come back with some award. Our student works regularly win the first price in Hefaiston at castle Helfštýn, in the competition “Jewel of the Year” that is part of the exhibition “Clocks and Jewellery”. They are laureates of Student Design in the area of product design. Sculptures made by our blacksmiths decorate Turnov and other cities in the Czech Republic. Commemorative plaques from the casting department are parts of many important buildings and exceptional places. The school gradually introduces new technologies. The operations are expanding, and the computer-aided learning concerning 2D and 3D designs is being developed.
The school consists of Art Nouveau listed building (it is just beautiful as it is) and so-called New Building. These spaces are one big gallery of works made by our current students, as well as famous absolvents. During lessons, visitors can watch and try the work in our workshops. Exhibition halls are also part of the buildings. If you let us know in advance, we can provide a guided tour with teachers or students. We give a tour in Czech or English language. During special school events, visitors can also purchase some of the student´s works.
