FRENCH-POLISH DESIGN VISIT | KROSNO GLASS S.A.

Krosno, Poland | 11–14 October 2026

EXPLORING POLISH GLASSMAKING HERITAGE THROUGH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Bringing together French and Polish designers, the French-Polish Design Visit to KROSNO Glass S.A. offered an opportunity to explore Poland’s rich glassmaking heritage, exchange creative knowledge and discover new possibilities for contemporary design.

Initiated by Creative Project Foundation in collaboration with International Design Expeditions, the project connected international designers with the craftsmanship, industrial expertise and manufacturing traditions of one of Poland’s most established glass producers.

DISCOVERING A CENTURY OF GLASSMAKING

The visit began with an exploration of KROSNO’s extensive archives, home to thousands of glass designs and objects created since 1923.

This remarkable collection offered an insight into the evolution of Polish glass design, from historic forms and traditional techniques to changing aesthetics and approaches to production.

The participants also visited KROSNO’s production facilities, discovering the processes behind glassmaking, from melting and colour development to machine production and the skilled work of glassmakers.

Through conversations with the factory’s specialists, designers gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between materials, craftsmanship, technology and industrial production.

CONNECTING HERITAGE WITH NEW CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES

At the heart of the visit was a dialogue between French and Polish creative practices, bringing together different perspectives on materials, form and manufacturing.

By connecting designers directly with KROSNO’s archives, production expertise and craftspeople, the initiative created opportunities for creative exchange and potential future collaborations.

The project highlighted how traditional manufacturing knowledge and industrial heritage can inspire contemporary design and new approaches to working with glass.

PARTICIPANTS

Katarzyna Kempa, Creative Director, KROSNO Glass S.A.

Mathilde Bretillot, President and Creative Director, International Design Expeditions

Miśka Miller-Lovegrove

Maria Jeglińska-Adamczewska

Marta Bakowski

Inès Aznar Aman

Guillaume Bloget

Anka Simone, On&On Designs, Project Coordinator

Joanna Caron-Delion, On&On Designs

PROJECT INITIATORS

Creative Project Foundation, in collaboration with International Design Expeditions.

PROJECT PARTNERS

KROSNO Glass S.A., Institut Français, Zygmunt Zaleski Stichting, On&On Designs and Manufactures nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national.

PROJECT DOCUMENTATION

Video production: Joanna Caron-Delion, On&On Designs.

PART 1: THE ARCHIVES

Discovering a century of Polish glassmaking through KROSNO’s extraordinary collection of historic designs.

PART 2: INSIDE THE GLASS FACTORY

An exploration of glass production, materials, colour and craftsmanship, featuring the people and processes behind KROSNO glass.

FOLLOW THE PROJECT

Instagram: @onandondesigns