The Museum of Historical Carriages opened for the first time in the history of the Czech Republic in Čechy po Kosířem on 11th July 2009

Narration by Václav Obr

The idea of establishing the carriage museum has been germinating for many years, it was an idea which became a reality. Since the 15th Century the regions of Bohemia and Moravia have been the biggest cradle of craft skills. For centuries these craftsmen were oppressed. Finally, in the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, some of them could establish workshops and factories for the production of coaches and carriages. Times were hard and many people devoted their lives to their work. Over the centuries the people and their crafts faded into obscurity, which is a great shame.

By progressively restoring the remains of derelict carriages an inimitable museum has come into being. This museum is the heritage of our ancestors craft and a bequest for future generations, to highlight everything that has been forgotten. The carriage museum was built, after a search lasting many years, on the site of a former factory producing fire-engines, founded by Antonín Smekal in 1820. Of the original complex of buildings only one hall remains which now houses a fire-service museum.

I started building the carriage museum by myself, it was therefore funded by my life-savings and from my own work, as I have been, and still am a craftsman. It was really demanding work, not only in terms of finances, but also physical labour. In 2008 I completely ran out of financial reserves, but not of energy. It is a tribute to the municipality of Čechy pod Kosířem, Olomouc region, the European Union and many others that they supported me in my idea to establish a museum, which gradually became a reality, and to complete the work. Their names are inscribed for all time on a granite memorial stone at the entrance to the museum. The carriage museum is a unique creation, that has arisen as the result of strong belief. It is a monument and also a symbol for future generations.

contact : e-mail address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , information on the phone No.+420 602 557 167

Josefkol 2010 24th and 25th July

Motto: Linking of generations, or, you can achieve miracles, if you have the belief

JOSEFKOL 2010: III. international meeting of Master of Wheelwrights and Carriage makers in the chateau park in Čechy pod Kosířem - Czech Republic

Introduction:

The belief in truth, that has guided Bohemia and Moravia for centuries, has had tremendous influence on the formation of simple folk, thus the craftmen as well. They managed to put their feelings, thoughts and experience into their work, therefore into the things they created, but mostly not for themselves. They felt the obligation to bequeath something for later generations.
Josefkol 2010 is intended as an entrance gate for all generations and it´s international to interconnect traditions of craftwork and human virtue throughout Central Europe, as an ancient meeting place of craftwork of all kind.

The whole three-day meeting will take place in the chateu park in Čechy pod Kosířem.
This international meeting will be preceded by preliminary events in locations, that is to say in the Czech Republic and also abroad.

An invitation to all craftmen - Master of the forgotten crafts of wheel-making and carriage building in the Czech Republic and the whole Europe.

Dear friends, the right time has come to hold this meeting for the third time, the year 2010. We are living in modern times, when the human virtues and abilities of our ancesters are on the decline or have been forgotten. Let´s help all those who care about saving, ressurecting and preserving what has been left for following generations, so that they will know, as time passes, who we were.

Let´s get together and hand on our experience, to ensure the work of our ancestor is not forgotten.
This appeal for an international meeting is for all individuals, associations, institutions, alliances, companies and state or private organization. Everyone can join us, as a bystander or as a craftman exhibiting certain work.

For craftmen:

• Sign up on at e-mail address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , further information on the phone No. +420 602 557 167
• Presentation - Friday 23rd July 2010, the carriage museum Čechy pod Kosířem, Česká republika (a night tour of the museum followed by specification of work for the following days).
• Accomodation 23rd, 24th, 25th July 2010, is prepared in military tents in the chateau park including equipment (parking also within the park)
• Cattering 24th and 25th July 2010, free of charge on presentation of voucher in the chateau park.

Záchrana největšího kočáru vyrobeného před 110 lety firmou BROŽÍK a SYN v Plzni
Vážení patrioti, rád bych vás touto formou za Muzeum kočárů požádal o pomoc finanční na záchranu ojedinělého kočáru pro další generace, neboť byl převezen na krátký čas zpět do České republiky a hrozí jeho prodej a transport do zahraničí.

Stále probíhá veřejná sbírka - můžete pomoci i Vy...

Sbírkové konto: číslo účtu 1888417339/0800 u České spořitelny

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Sobota 24.7. a neděle 25.7.2010 - Zámecký park Čechy pod Kosířem

Nenechte si ujít ojedinělou historickou scénu mistrů zapomenutých řemesel.